The Stephen F. Austin State University School of Theatre will present a student production of Jessica Goldberg’s “Refuge” at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 1, and at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 2. All performances are in the Downstage Theatre, located on the first floor of the Griffith Fine Arts Building on the SFA campus.
Wylie senior Brian Butler will direct the one-act play, which Butler describes as a “darkly funny and touching story of four people searching for their refuge, or shelter, to guard them from the hard reality of life.”
According to Butler, the character Amy, forced to be the fill-in mom to her siblings, looks to reclaim her youth by falling into the arms of a stranger. Becca, described as the “candy” kid, looks for stability and guidance but finds solace in drugs and raves. Nat, the mentally challenged brother, looks to find his place in society and begins to find comfort in faith. Sam, the one-night stand drifter, looking for a place to sleep, finds a family instead, Butler explains.
“These characters are each lost and unsure of what’s ahead,” Butler said. “(They’re) seeking a safe place, but uncertain of what safety means. Their only refuge in sight might be the bond they share with each other.”
The play’s cast includes The Woodland’s junior Ashe Vernon as Amy; Austin freshman Troy Carrico as Nat; Sunnyvale senior Mai Lé as Becca; and Magnolia junior Cody M. Davids as Sam.
Rowlett senior Tory Kay Fields will serve as stage manager, and members of the production team include Tony Dibernardo, Mesquite sophomore, scenic designer; Chelsae Sliger, Longview junior, lighting designer; Kenneth Hall, Dallas junior, sound designer; and Eva Munden, Rockwall junior, properties master.
Butler, who also serves as costume designer for the play, is a senior theatre major. At SFA, he has served as assistant costume designer for “Little Shop of Horrors” and “How I Became a Pirate” and as costume designer for “Bright Ideas,” “Love Talker” and “Tunnel of Love.” He worked as costume designer for “Rent” as a student at Collin College. His work can also be seen in the upcoming School of Theatre production of “bobrauchenbergamerica,” for which he will design costumes.
“Refuge” is recommended for mature audiences. Tickets are $3. For tickets or more information, call (936) 468-6407 or (888) 240-ARTS.
