DEURnis THE Booklet
Presented by THE AENEID THEATRE COMPANY
Project Directed by LARA BOTHA
Design & Photography by PETER ZHU
Graphics by KIERA REINHARD
April 2025
StephanieGerickeperformingNAT(Wet) intheoriginalSouthAfricanDEURnis. PhotobyCandiceBotha
p5 History of DEURnis
p6 How to see DEURnis at USC
p8 The Pieces
p22 The DEURnis Team
InAfrikaans:
“DEUR”- Door/Through “Deernis”-Compassion DEURnisbeganinthe2010swithSouthAfrican producerJohanvanderMerwe.Inspiredbyimmersive theatrehesawinEdinburgh,vanderMerwe conceptualizedDEURnisbasedonthe“1on1theatre” model,introducingaseriesofsite-specificmonologues involvingonesingleaudiencememberandonesingle actor.Theshow’sexaminationof“theanatomyof intimacy”plungestheaudienceintoadirectrelationship withthecharacteraswellasaconfrontationwiththeir ownroleintheroom,makingtheexperienceuniqueand immediateforeveryindividualparticipant.Vander Merweadoptedafree-form,guerrillaproductionstyle, stagingDEURnisinroomsofhotels,schools,andguest housesalongsideclose-knitcollaboratorswhosharedall responsibilities.Allpieces,writtenbySouthAfrican playwrights,weretailoredtotheconditionsofspecific, lived-inspacestheteamhadaccessto,offeringextreme immersionwhileresourcefullynavigatingthelimitsof independenttheatre. DEURnishasenjoyedregional successinSouthAfricaforthepast10years.
HISTORY OF DEURnis
“Collegetheatre-goingaudienceshavebecomepassive...I wantsomethingthatwakespeopleupwithaseismic shake.” ProjectDirectorLaraBotha,aUSCActingBFA,has brought6potentDEURnispiecestoLosAngeles.In collaborationwithTheAeneidTheatreCompanyandsome ofthefinesttalentinUSCstudenttheatre,DEURnis’s internationaldebutwilltransformtheSceneDockTheatre intoaswirlinggalleryofemotionalextremes.Onbehalfof ATC, ArtisticDirectorPeterZhuwelcomesyoutoour Season10SpringExperimentalproduction.Withparticular focusonintimacy,memory,andperspective,DEURnisat USCisamagnifyingglassforthefunctionandconcernsof performancefromanever-before-seenangle.
AT USC
Package I
Themes and mention of child abuse (physical and sexual), sex trafficking, grooming, abortion, suicide, homophobia, and gun violence.
ROU (Raw)
Performed by Aaron Eichenlaub
Directed by Jayden Adams-Ruiz
TOETS (Test)
Performed by Vanessa Andrick
Directed by Quamé J. Pierre
BROEI (Hatch)
Performed by Sarah Mwangi
Directed by Kevin Rome & Ryan Shanahan
For any questions regarding the specific contents of each package, reach out to ATC or ask your usher upon arrival.
NAT(Wet)
PerformedbyLaraBotha
DirectedbyQuaméJ.Pierre
Package II
KOUD(Cold)
PerformedbyLaneHaven
DirectedbyJaydenAdams-Ruiz
WITVLAG(WhiteFlag)
PerformedbyAnthonyMoore
DirectedbyKevinRome&RyanShanahan
ROU (Raw) · Package I
Performed by Aaron Eichenlaub
Directed by Jayden Adams-Ruiz
Written by Henque Heymans
TOETS (Test) · Package I
Performed by Vanessa Andrick
Directed by Quamé J. Pierre
Written by Johann Smith
Written by C.M. Joubert
BROEI (Hatch) · Package I
Performed by Sarah Mwangi
Directed by Kevin Rome & Ryan Shanahan
NAT (Wet) · Package II
Performed by Lara Botha
Directed by Quamé J. Pierre
Written by Henque Heymans
KOUD (Cold) · Package II
Performed by Lane Haven
Directed by Jayden Adams-Ruiz
Written by Henque Heymans
WITVLAG (White Flag) · Package II
Performed by Anthony Moore
Directed by Kevin Rome & Ryan Shanahan
Written by Nico Scheepers
The DEURnis Team
LARA BOTHA · Project Director
Lara Botha is currently a BFA Acting sophomore. She has received training in the UK at The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and RADA. Her most recent productions include The Tempest at South Africa’s National Children’s Theatre and the television series Spoorloos: Heksejag. Her directing credits include Julie: at the Blouteater, and Rou for Deurnis at the Centurion Theatre which was nominated for a Naledi Theatre Award. Productions while at USC include Crashing (BNT), Nicholas Nickleby (Stephanie Shroyer) and Helena in a Midsummer Night’s Dream (Laura Flanagan). Deurnis, is Lara’s first time working with ATC.
PETER ZHU · Artistic Director
Peter, a junior in Narrative Studies and Screenwriting, has looked forward to tackling DEURnis for a long time. Ever since seeing Punchdrunk’s Sleep No More, he has dreamed about curating an immersive experience. He thanks Lara and the South African team for trusting ATC with introducing DEURnis to LA. Peter found the production process extremely special. Witnessing artists of differing worlds all wrestling with the show’s distinct concept has been a valuable education and an absolute joy. Outside of the theatre, Peter is involved in film production, music videography, literature, and research in narratology. His portfolio includes 20+ short films and 3 novels. When Peter’s not at work, catch him home alone fussing over music, poetry, and his mom’s recipes.
QUAMÉ J. PIERRE · Director (NAT, TOETS)
Quamé J. Pierre is currently pursuing a degree in Theatre at the University of Southern California. Within USC’s independent theatre scene, Quamé holds leadership roles across three student production companies—as Artistic Director, Production Manager, and Producer. His directorial debut at USC began with Greater Tuna, and since then, Quamé has maintained an unstoppable momentum. This academic year alone, he has immersed himself in eight theatrical productions, wearing multiple hats as actor, director, and producer— marking a personal milestone in his artistic journey. As the semester draws to a close, Quamé is proud to present a powerful finale, directing two compelling monologues, NAT (Lara Botha) and TOETS (Vanessa Andrick). With each project, Quamé continues to push the boundaries of student theatre, driven by a deep love for storytelling and an unwavering commitment to the craft.
JAYDEN
ADAMS-RUIZ · Director (ROU, KOUD)
Jayden Adams-Ruiz loves you.
RYAN SHANAHAN · Co-Director (BROEI, WITVLAG)
Ryan is a junior at USC studying Film and Theatre. He’s so excited to be working with ATC again, this time in the director's chair! Despite directing the egg piece, he’s never eaten an egg before.
KEVIN ROME · Co-Director (BROEI, WITVLAG)
Kevin is currently a sophomore at USC. His most recent performance credits include Puck in "A Midsummer Night's Dream" (University of Southern California, Second Stage), the character Dab in a recent web series, and work in numerous short films at the University of Southern California. Kevin is thrilled to be in Los Angeles, CA, because his mother was born here! With deep family ties and a connection to the city, there is nowhere else Kevin would rather be. He is passionate about exercising his creativity through writing, directing, dancing, and acting, so he is immensely grateful for the opportunity to grow at USC. If you see Kevin around, don’t hesitate to say hey; he is always willing to discuss the newest Taco Bell menu items, as he has an opinion, or the latest Golf Wang/Le Fleur clothing drops. Unless, of course, the weather is gloomy and rainy, then he will be nowhere to be found.
CASEY HILTON · Production Manager
This is Casey's third show with Aeneid Theatre Company and first time working as a Production Manager. She has been interested and involved in production, direction, and design for several years and feels she is able to explore each of these disciplines through the lens of a Production Manager. Casey is passionate about pushing the boundaries of theater and the immersive nature of DEURnis is something she has loved exploring and is excited to share with the community. She thanks you for being a part of this experimental theater experience.
TINO GARCIA GROSS · Project Stage Manager
Tino Garcia Gross is a Writing for Screen and Television major at SCA, with a love for theatre. He’s excited to join DEURnis as project stage manager, and work with such a talented team! Despite studying the screen, Tino can’t (nor would he ever want to) avoid the stage, and the unique challenges and triumphs it presents. Outside of ATC, Tino also serves as the Head of Production for Ludus Remedium, a mixed-form sketch and improv comedy troupe on campus, and will talk your ear off about his D&D characters if you give him the chance. Tino is grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the ATC family.
MICAH SCHNEIDER · Stage Manager, Producer
Micah is very excited to be working on DEURnis! He loves all aspects of the theatre and cannot wait to this experience with you. Micah is from Los Angeles, CA but grew up in Toronto, ON. He is a senior BA in Theatre at USC, and he has been seen in Blue Stockings as Ralph Mayhew and Will in Michaela’s Fleunt Aphasia. Professionally, Micah has worked with A Noise Within theatre as the Dinosaur in The Skin Of Our Teeth. This is the first (and hopefully not the last) show Micah has ever produced and stage managed for, and he would like to thank ATC for giving him this exciting opportunity!
RILEY POLANER · Stage Manager, Producer
Riley can personally say that she is SO excited to be working with ATC as a producer and stage manager. As an actor usually —most recently as Miss Blake in Blue Stockings at USC—being on the production team for DEURnis has opened up a whole new love for theater she’s never known before, and she cannot wait to continue producing and SMing in her years to come. Riley is a New Jersey native (go trash!), loves bagels and Bruce Springsteen, and just transferred to USC. So if you see her wandering on campus, lost, please point her in the right direction. She hopes you have as much (or at least half as much) fun watching DEURnis as she had helping put it together. MUAH
ALLY FOX · Stage Manager
Ally is excited to continue her journey with ISPs here at USC! After two years of community theater, she has also loved getting involved in college theater. As an engineering major, the ability to participate in theater as an extracurricular has meant a lot to her and her time at USC, as she's able to still engage in more creative outlets outside of classes. As a recent transfer, many of her best memories at USC so far have come from theater and the people she has met because of it. She thinks that this show with ATC is something really special, offering cast, crew, and audience a unique and new theater experience that pushes the boundaries of connection and engagement. She's excited to be a part in a project like this.
BILLIE OLEYAR · Producer
Billie Oleyar (They/He) is a lighting and projection artist who also dabbles in medieval crafts, music composition, psychology, and linguistics. They are always busy and love to work on experimental projects in unconventional spaces. They have many more shows coming up this semester, as both a lighting designer in Artscape and a projection designer in Angels in America as well as Defined. They thank ATC for this wonderful opportunity in helping to produce Deurnis and hope everybody who participates has an enjoyable, immersive experience!
HALIA LINDAUER · Producer
Halia is a senior at USC earning her bachelor's in Theatre Arts with an Acting Emphasis. DEURnis marks Halia's fourth production with ATC, and she could not be prouder of her hand in the company's transformation over the years. Both as the company's president and as a creative, Halia is so grateful to have helped bring such a brilliant piece like DEURnis to our USC stage. Theatre like this is seldom able to be told, but the impact and resonance of these pieces are astounding. On a business note, her recent performance credits include Becca in "Rabbit Hole" and Trina in "Falsettos". Halia is incredibly grateful to her family for always loving and believing in her. Enjoy the show.
Alex Cardona is the EDIA chair and Producer for DEURnis.
She is in her senior year studying Narrative Studies with a minor in Screenwriting. Not only is she a part of the ATC board, but she has done work with many of the ISPs throughout her college years producing, stage managing for Lost Girl, directing for Little Women, BNT One Act Festival, and The Effect, as well as doing production management for Danny and the Deep Blue Sea. She has had a great time working with the cast, crew, and designers of DEURnis!
ALEX CARDONA · EDIA Chair, Producer
DAVID JAMES · Co-Technical Director
Working on DEURnis has been a fun process. I got to work with a great team that has supported me with this large build. I got to put my abilities to the test and learn some new ones. Everyone should watch and appreciate these performances and wonderful sets.
SOPHIA POLLACCHI · Co-Technical Director
Sophia is a sophomore studying Technical Direction with a minor in Themed Entertainment. Originally from Huntington Beach California, she enjoys creating art and has been passionate about the world of backstage theatre for many years. She is excited to work with ATC on DEURnis, her first ISP at USC! Recent credits include Assistant Technical Director for Something Rotten, Marat Sade, Much Ado about Nothing, and Pippin. She is also a member of the USC chapter of USITT. She is grateful for the opportunities the show has provided, and has had a fantastic time working with the board and all the members.
AUSTIN MITCHELL · Scenic Designer
Austin is thrilled to be working with ATC for the first time on DEURnis! This show has been such a fun puzzle to figure out as a designer. Austin has recently worked on The Effect (MMTC), Greater Tuna (Impulse), The Lightning Thief (Grossmont HS), She Loves Me (asst. USC), and Something Rotten (asst. USC). He would like to thank ATC, Lara, the directors, and the entire cast, designers, and production team for making this feat of a show possible. Enjoy the show!
JULIA TODD · Props Manager
Julia is so excited to be working with ATC and designing props for DEURnis! She is currently a junior studying Human Biology and Occupational Therapy, but has found great joy and fulfillment in getting involved with theater at USC. So much love to all the amazing cast, crew, and production team that made this show possible!
KEATON TRACY · Lighting Designer
Keaton Tracy is a junior majoring in Narrative Studies, with a minor in Comedy Performance. They have taken on a range of production roles from set and prop construction, directing for DFTC’s Rocky Horror Picture Show, being a production assistant with Free Radical Design Group, and now Lighting Design for DEURnis. He is excited to be working with Aeneid and to bring his vision to this immersive theater experience.
ELLIE HERMANN · Costume Designer
Ellie Hermann is a junior at the University of Southern California, studying Costume Design. Pursuing a career in costume design has been a passion of hers for as long as she can remember. Ellie got her start in theatre at the age of eight with the Creative Kids Playhouse Children’s Theatre of Orange County. She then followed her passion throughout high school and into college. During her time at USC, she has designed for theatre, film, ballet, and the USC Concert Band. Some of her recent projects include Chavez Ravine, Machinal, Troilus and Cressida, SIX in Concert, and most recently, DEURnis.
MAYA PAREDES · Asst. Props Manager
Maya Paredes is a sophomore studying Business Administration, and she is the Assistant Props Manager for DEURnis. She was previously a cast member for ATC's production of Rhesus, and this is her first time as a crew member for a theater company. Maya is so grateful for everyone's support as she learns what it takes to work behind the scenes, and she is so proud of everyone's contributions to this exciting project!
CHLOE BAY · Makeup Artist
Chloe Bay has been doing theater since she was a kid, and is so excited to be working on Deurnis. She primarily acts, but is taking on a behind the scenes role for this production. She acted as head of the makeup department at her high school theater for 2 years, and is enjoying returning. Here at USC she is a member of the Merry Men improv troupe, and acts as the Co-Social Chair for Aeneid Theater Company, and Fundraising Chair for Impulse Theater Company.
AARON EICHENLAUB · Actor
(ROU)
Aaron is honored to bring Rou (Raw) to life as part of Deurnis' first ever international performance. Beginning his acting career at home in Washington, D.C., Aaron is now pursuing a BFA in Acting degree at USC. His recent stage credits include Demetrius in Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and Tristan in "The Effect". Aaron would also like to thank his directing and producing team for the care they've brought to bringing this project to life, especially his director, Jayden, and stage manager, Riley. If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking, resources are available at humantraffickinghotline.org or by calling 888-373-7888.
SARAH MWANGI · Actor (BROEI)
Sarah Mwangi is a sophomore in the BFA Acting program at USC. She had the opportunity to play Connie in the MainStage production of Dance Nation and Lysander in a second stage performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Before transferring to USC from the University of Washington, she was involved in several student-led productions that helped her grow as an artist and deepen her love for storytelling. She feels grateful to be part of this project and is excited to share a character she’s grown with and has found relatability to as an artist.
ANTHONY MOORE · Actor (WITVLAG)
Anthony Moore Jr is a Sophomore BFA Acting for Stage and Screen at USC. He is originally from Detroit, Michigan, where he got his start in theatre. His recent performance credits include Oberon in A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Tom Collins in RENT, both at the University of Southern California. Thank you to my family and friends that continue to support me as I continue to navigate this art form. It means more than you will ever know! God Bless!
LANE HAVEN · Actor (KOUD)
Originally from Texas, Lane is thrilled to be studying theatre at USC in LA. DEURnis with ATC marks Lane's 6th show in the last two years. Recent credits include Diomedes in USC's Troilus and Cressida, and Gavin in the recent MFA New Works Productions. He is thrilled to be a small part in bringing such a unique and innovative piece to both USC and America with DEURnis. Shoutout to the boys, his mom and Jayden for his direction and patience with him.
VANESSA ANDRICK · Actor (TOETS)
Vanessa is so excited to be part of DEURnis! Hailing from Culver City, CA, she is Vice President of The Merry Men, a writer, performer, and Technical Director for 4QAS, and Secretary of ATC. Performance credits include Dr. Lorna James in The Effect, Greater Tuna, Harper Cahill in Where Within, Julie Jackson in The Lost Girl (or First Chair), The Laramie Project, Richard Corner in Hellcats, and Fräulein Schneider in I Am a Camera. Vanessa is also a member of Blueprints for Pangaea, a TA for the Prison Education Project, a USC Student Ambassador, and a volunteer researcher. She seeks to combine her artistic and academic pursuits through exploration of the role of storytelling in promoting public health and the potential of theatre and theatre practices to improve science communication. Thank you to ATC and the DEURnis team for making this one-in-a-lifetime experience possible and to family and friends for their endless support.
Lara Botha is currently a BFA Acting sophomore. She has received training in the UK at The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and RADA. Her most recent productions include The Tempest at South Africa’s National Children’s Theatre and the television series Spoorloos: Heksejag. Her directing credits include Julie: at the Blouteater, and Rou for DEURnis at the Centurion Theatre which was nominated for a Naledi Theatre Award. Productions while at USC include Crashing (BNT), Nicholas Nickleby (Stephanie Shroyer) and Helena in a Midsummer Night’s Dream (Laura Flanagan). Deurnis, is Lara’s first time working with ATC.
LARA BOTHA · Actor (NAT)
SPECIAL THANKS
Johan van der Merwe
Tony Taccone
Stephanie Shroyer
Alex Muir
Celia Hidell
Felix Garcia
Kiera Reinhard
Sydney Leanna
Ally Atwell
Lukas Garberg
Ben Williams
Nolan Morris
Julia Kess
Helen Culpepper
The Aeneid Theatre Company Board
PRESIDENT · Halia Lindauer
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR · Peter Zhu
PRODUCTION MANAGER · Casey Hilton
SECRETARY · Vanessa Andrick
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR · David James
TREASURER · Leo Zhang
HISTORIAN · Nolan Morris
PRODUCER · Quamé J. Pierre
MARKETING DIRECTOR · Helen Culpepper
GRAPHICS DIRECTOR · Kiera Reinhard
EDIA CHAIR · Alex Cardona
EDIA CHAIR · Charlotte Hansen
SOCIAL CHAIR · Julia Kess
SOCIAL CHAIR · Chloe Kampmeier
FACULTY ADVISOR · Stephanie Shroyer
DEURnis THE Booklet
