PILGRIMS OF THE NIGHT PROGRAM

A NOTE FROM THE DIRECTOR I first read Pilgrims in Doctor Colleen Rua's Script Analysis class two years ago. I was immensely intrigued by the class's explorations of character relationships and how their connections were so important to their survival in the strange and harsh world they were living in. I could relate to the essential need for connection- I was a baby adult, emerging fresh into the world from the COVID-19 pandemic as social and political systemic oppression was being revealed. Where the world and its systems were failing me, and failing my loved ones, we had each other, and could fight for each other. So I read the play- and read it again, and again, both in other classes and on my own. Its absurdity was admittedly difficult to read and understand on the page, and I decided two things: one, I needed to see it happen, and two, my community needed to see it too for its timely relevance, validating the struggles we have been through and emphasizing that we need to talk to each other and share our stories to make it through. With that, my hope is that that is what audiences will take away from the show: share your story, and continue the fight. A big thanks to all my friends, peers, and professors, the cast and production team in their support for my directorial debut!

- Say Penland, Director Pilgrims of the Night captures the finest details of life in a post-apocalyptic world. It is the tale of seven travelers whose journeys coalesce aboard a humble ferry station crossing the River Styx into the Underworld. Each of the travelers have a deep desire for connection, albeit initially unbeknownst to them, and until these longings have been met and fulfilled, they cannot cross the river towards death on the other side. Although they begin their journey as strangers, the Pilgrims learn they have a great many things in common as they share their life experiences and perspectives of the world. The gods are in turmoil, and the world rocks in its orbit as nature seeks to reclaim its children upon the gods’ failure to do so. This play resonates with me deeply as it communicates just how powerful a story can be, their microcosmic purpose in capturing but a fragment of the world before us and equipping us with the resources to forge the world ahead. From the moment I first read the script, I have been eager to see this production mounted on stage, and I am incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to bring this wonderful story to life!

- Luke Ortega, Assistant Director

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND RESOURCES Florida Players acknowledge that for thousands of years, the area now comprising the state of Florida has been, and continues to be, home to many Native Nations. We further recognize that the main campus of the University of Florida , where Florida Players primarily functions, is located on the ancestral territory of the Potano and of the Seminole peoples. Florida Players acknowledges its obligation to honor the past, present, and future Native residents and cultures of Florida.

For more information, please visit native-land.ca.

SPECIAL THANKS TO: Eric Augusto Colleen Rua Will Sands Tony Berry Morgan Gensler Eugene Gurary

PRESENTS

BY LEN JENKIN DIRECTED BY SAY PENLAND AND LUKE ORTEGA

TRIGGER WARNING: This performance contains...

- Loud Noises (Specifically Thunder) -Strong Language - Disability Abuse and Ableism, Prison and Mental Facility Abuse, Mentions of Substance Abuse - Frank Talk of Death - Mention of Suicide - Sexual References, Discussions of Sexual Assault and Abuse - Violence - Mentions of Slave Labor and Colonization

CAST

POOR TOM.......................................…………….Jacob Walker SAMUEL SUNDOWN.................................Eugene Gurary* ZOE........................................................…………..Sanaa Bouie HUBERT..........................................………Benjamin Johnson LILY BLACK..............................…………………………..Talia Caso VIVA.........................................…………………Ophilea Abidoye RAY T. FOX...................................................Lauren Carlson SWING...........................................................Lucas Madden SWING...............................................................Kayla Daniel

CREW

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR………………………...........…..Lily Badger* PRODUCTION MANAGER…………….............Lindsey Davis* STAGE MANAGER.....................................Teresa D’Angelo SET DESIGN….......................................Braxton Mackenzie ASST. SET DESIGN........................................Eliana Gosiker LIGHTING DESIGN...................................Christiana Gager SOUND DESIGN.…….………...........…………....Carter Erickson ASST. SOUND DESIGN...................................Erin Mooney PROP MASTER.................................................….Lucy Allan ASST. PROPS.....................................................Gracie Bane COSTUME DESIGN....................................Jordan Augusto COSTUMES....................................................Becca Daniels DRAMATURG................................................Kensi Houston CAPTAINS.....................Eugene Gurary* (Vocal), Ophilea Abidoye/Kayla Daniel (Dance), Sanaa Bouie (Fight) *Denotes Florida Players Executive Board Member

Artistic Director......................................Lily Badger Associate Artistic Director..........Emma Van Dyke Director of Finance..........................Eugene Gurary DEI* Coordinator................................Lance Mallari Secretary.................................................Shea Stone Director of Special Events.......Mackenzie Welsch Director of Publicity........................Ethan Garrepy Director of Outreach.....................Josiah Acevedo Webmaster.........................................Gabi Garibaldi Historian..........................................Noelle Gardiner Production Manager.........................Lindsey Davis Technical Director........................Emme Slaughter *Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

ABOUT Since its founding in 1929, Florida Players has given students the opportunity to act in, write, design, and direct live theatre; to study theatre in workshops and meetings; and to engage audiences in an exchange of ideas that makes us think, laugh, and feel.

Sponsored by UF Student Government, Florida Players produces plays, musicals, and new works throughout each school year and is open to students of all majors as well as Gainesville community members.

Thank you for your support.

Enjoy the show!

MUTUALLY ASSURED DESTRUCTION Directed By Lance Mallari Playing October 27-28 Squitieri Studio Theater

24 HOUR PLAY FESTIVAL Organized by Lily Badger Playing November 17-18 Reitz Union Ampitheater

PILGRIMS OF THE NIGHT Directed By Say Penland and Luke Ortega Playing December 1-2 Squitieri Studio Theater