The Williams Baptist University Theatre Program will stage Steven Dietz’s “This Random World” this Friday, Nov. 3, and Saturday, Nov. 4, as a part of WBU’s Homecoming celebration. The play will take place in the Old Chapel.
“The play definitely makes you rethink many of the encounters you have had in your life,” said Melinda Williams, director of the production.
Through a series of nearly missed connections, “This Random World” follows a group of intersecting lives: a mother determined to maintain her independence, a daughter longing for adventure, two sisters seeking common ground, and a son involved in an internet prank gone terribly wrong. The play, subtitled “the myth of serendipity,” explores the lives that may be happening just out of reach.
“As the story behind “This Random World” progresses, the feelings of frustration, joy, and heartache present themselves through an intertwining of missed conversations that leave you reflecting on your own actions,” said MaKenzie Free, a junior psychology major from Beebe. Free plays the part of Rhonda, a character who is trying to come to grips with the loss of her mother and loss in general.
“The play deals a lot with loss. The loss of people, relationships, opportunities and the way the characters deal with those losses. Some of the scenes are very frustrating because the characters’ lives are intertwined, but they keep missing the connections, sometimes by seconds,” Williams explained.
“Claire fights to overcome the love that life events took away from her,” described Alison Turbyeville on her character in the play. Turbyeville, a senior psychology major from Black Rock, plays a character who suffers from two lost relationships, one of which she ignores the opportunity to rekindle.
Also appearing in the play are: Kristin Britt of Cleburne, Texas; Brittany Jo Wilson of Doniphan, Mo.; Luke Windham of Kansas City, Mo.; Emily Morgan of Harrison, Ark.; Arthur (A.J.) Rogers of Camden, Ark.; and Ridge Briney of Corning, Ark.
The production is part of Williams Homecoming weekend, and it starts at 7:00 p.m. both evenings. Admission is $3 for students and senior citizens and $5 for general admission.
Williams is a Christian, liberal arts college in Walnut Ridge, Ark. It will formally become Williams Baptist University in July of 2018.