Alabaster

Cast of Characters Bib…………………………………………..…..Julia Rudgers Weezy……………………………………….…..Tylor Goshorn June…………………………………………...…Jordyn Caldwell Alice……………………………………………..Maragaret Vu Stage Directions Reader…………………………Colleen Kleveno

and

Mason Players Present A Staged Reading Of

ALABASTER

By Audrey Cefaly ALABASTER was first produced as a National New Play Network Rolling World Premiere by Florida Repertory Theatre (Fort Myers), Capital Stage (Sacramento), 16th Street Theater (Berwyn IL), Kitchen Dog Theater (Dallas), Shrewd Productions (Austin), Know Theatre of Cincinnati, Phoenix Theatre (Indianapolis), Williamston Theatre (MI), Salt Lake Acting Company, New Jersey Repertory Company (Long Branch) and Oregon Contemporary Theatre (Eugene). For more information please visit www.nnpn.org.”

Winner of the 2017 David Calicchio Emerging American Playwright Prize at Marin Theatre Company, Mill Valley CA Jasson Minadakis, Artistic Director | Keri Kellerman, Managing Director

Director Rachel Sharp Stage Manager Addison Picardat Assistant Stage Manager Colleen Kleveno Dramaturg Jarrod Clark Video Editors Ruth Yamamoto Will Gautney MAAH Producer Haley Smyser

Director’s Notes I know, I know, another Zoom staged reading of a play. The election has us drained, the potential outcome making us squirm under the thumb of our own system. To be a part of this country, it feels like everything is falling apart.

You’re not alone. Since the beginning of time, theater and ceremony has brought people together emotionally and mentally. I offer you this opportunity to come together and to escape to Alabaster.

It wasn’t until I read this, while I was putting myself back together piece by piece, during quarantine. Experiencing the isolation and having to try and understand who I had become, alone. That really shone through when I read Alabaster. I think that as humans (or goats) we can all understand that, especially since the third wave already hitting us as a community. I understood that there was an opportunity, despite the intimate nature of the play, to explore that sense of isolation in recording this via zoom. Yes, we can have the same backgrounds for continuity's sake, but that doesn’t take away the effect of having all of the actors speaking out to the audience alone and from completely separate spaces.

Throughout this pandemic, we have experienced a new form of grieving in our isolation from friends, family, and loved ones. For some, grieving has been a process that we have been trying to get through since long before this pandemic. This production deals with the grieving process through these extraordinary womxn and goats. The subject matter can be daunting for the viewer and you may ask yourself: why would I want to watch something with even more sadness? All I can say is, do what you feel is right. Yes, give yourself permission to feel whatever you are feeling in this moment. I believe that this production and play, written by Audrey Cefaly, gives you the opportunity for a much-needed cathartic release.

Audrey Cefaly’s work, including Alabaster, is extraordinary. The way she explores characters and the womxn in this play is simultaneously heartwarming and gut wrenching. The play is now published, so please support this amazing artist and purchase a copy!! I, personally, would like to thank her for allowing me the privilege of staging and working on this production.

Lastly, to my actors and crew, the work you have put into this production will show through. I hope you feel as proud of this showing as I feel for all you.

Thank you, Jordyn, Julia, Margaret, and Tylor for being open and hardworking throughout this reading. Thank you, Jarrod for your insight and guidance.

Ruth, thank you for putting all of the recordings, sound, and backgrounds together. Addison and Colleen, my astonishing stage manager assistant stage manager, thank you both for your time and patience throughout the process. I could never have pulled this off without y’all. Baaaaah bah, baaah aaaah, Bah Baaah Bah bah! (English Translation of Goat: Sit back, relax, grab some food and drinks, and enjoy the show!)

Rachel Sharp

Theater at Mason would like to thank the Friends of Theater for their ongoing support of our programs, especially their support of scholarships for our students. Please consider becoming a Friend. Please consider giving by logging onto our website https://theater.gmu.edu/give

Alabaster is presented by special arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com