Juliana Carey, (right) a Ferris State University student from DeWitt practice sword
dueling with Mason Yarnell (left), of Grand Rapids, in preparation for She Kills Monsters,
A Ferris State Theatre production to be held Thursday, March 23 to Sunday, March 26.
The Ferris State University Theatre Department will offer four performances of Qui Nguyen’s “She Kills Monsters” starting at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 23, in Williams Auditorium. The run concludes with a 2:30 p.m. matinee on Sunday, March 26.
Director Katherine LaPietra said the dedication of students from various academic programs to create and present works each fall and spring is inspiring.
“There are 23 students in the cast, who come from many Ferris programs ranging from Technology to Pharmacy, the College of Business and College of Arts, Sciences and Education,” LaPietra said. “We also have more than a dozen students working crew, so together we can offer a thoughtful portrayal of this intense and meaningful story.”
Nyugen’s play, which debuted in New York in 2011, is a drama-comedy and a literal journey to explore relationships with family, grief and loss, friendship, and getting to know someone.
“The main character, Agnes Evans, loses her entire family in a car accident and is forced to confront the reality of never really knowing her younger sister, Tilly,” LaPietra said. “When she finds Tilly’s Dungeons & Dragons notebook, Agnes embarks on an adventure in the world that was her sister’s refuge.”
“She Kills Monsters” presents concepts most appropriate for a mature audience.
“It addresses LGBTQ+ issues and bullying as part of the narrative,” LaPietra said. “Swearing and adult situations are also elements of this production.”
Tickets for the evening performances and the Sunday matinee are $8 in advance and $10 at the door.