SUU theater dept. presents “Speech & Debate”
By Ashley Pollock
SUU’s theater department will present “Speech & Debate” Feb. 27 and March 1, 2, and 7 at 7:30 p.m. and March 9 at 2 p.m. in the Eileen and Allen Anes Studio Theater in Cedar City. Written by Stephen Karam, “Speech & Debate” is based around three high school students who are each involved in a scandalous situation involving men of power who hide their homosexual tendencies.
“This is a poignant show with incredibly relevant, taboo, and emotionally heavy subject matter,” said Megan Bishop, a senior acting major. “It’s also by far one of the most hilarious plays I’ve ever read. Finding the balance between these two has certainly been a hurdle, but I think we’ve found the sweet spot! When people ask how rehearsals are going, I usually tell them they end in tears, sometimes from laughter, sometimes from sympathy and pain. There are some pretty extreme highs and lows, and it took time to find both. People can all relate to something from ‘Speech & Debate’ and its delightful characters. We understand Howie’s insecurities and desire to keep under the radar. We feel for Solomon and his struggle to express himself and accept who he is. We laugh along with Diwata and her ability to speak her mind and keep things light. We all have an adult in our lives, like my characters the teacher and the reporter Jan Clark, that would rather leave things unsaid. In a conservative community, we all need to learn more about the world around us and the people in it. When we understand, we sympathize. And when we sympathize, we can make the world a better place to live in.”
Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for alumni with card, and $5 for youth. SUU faculty, staff, and students can get in free with a valid ID card. Tickets can be purchased at the America First Event Center box office, at the door the night of the performance, or online at suu.edu/pva. This production contains mature content and strong language.
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