Nov. 28, 2016
She Kills Monsters Finds Truth through Fantasy Games
She Kills Monsters, by Qui Nguyen, is a comedic, yet poignant, journey into the world of fantasy role-playing games (RPGs). The Central Washington University Central Theatre Ensemble production begins December 1.
The play explores the gamut of relationships among women, as siblings, classmates, coworkers, lovers, and loved ones. Through role-playing, the characters are able to come to terms with excruciating losses, such as the death of a sister. And ultimately, they are able to face their own realities and their futures
According to the New York Times, "It will slash and shapeshift its way into your heart." The Denver Post called it " . . . droll, witty and geeky in the best sense of the word . . ." Winner of the 2013 AATE Distinguished Play Award, She Kills Monsters is directed by Central Washington University’s Patrick Dizney, professor of Theatre Arts. “It is a romp,” says Dizney. “The most fun you can have in a theatre!”
For patrons who may not be knowledgeable about the RPG culture and the vocabulary of Dungeons and Dragons, around which the play revolves, the production team has developed “A Visitors Guide to the World of the Play.” The material also includes information on the playwright and numerous awards the play has garnered. The material was developed by Robert Hanson, a master’s candidate in Theatre Production. The guide can be downloaded for free at http://bit.ly/2fCClSS.
Local artist Brian Kooser has joined the production design team and has been working with CWU students in the creation of the special monster puppets. Kooser is well known for his larger-than-life characters that are seen throughout the region at parades and special events such as the Fremont Solstice Fair in Seattle and Ellensburg Buskers.
She Kills Monsters will be performed December 1 and 2 at 7:30 p.m. in McConnell Auditorium. A special talkback session with the cast will be hosted by CWU Women’s and Gender Studies immediately after the performance on December 1. On December 3, there will be two performances: one at 4:00 p.m., and a special 10:00 p.m. showing. Between the performances, a student club will host RPG game tables in the theatre lobby for novices as well as those skilled at RPGs. There will also be a matinee performance at 2:00 p.m. on December 4.
Tickets are $12 general admission; $10 for seniors and students under 18 years old, and $8 for CWU students with ID. Advance purchase is recommended. Tickets can be purchased online at www.cwu.edu/theatre/tickets or by calling 509-963-1429. Tickets may also be purchased in person at the Wildcat Shop Customer Service at the Student Union and Recreation Building.
This play is suitable for mature audiences. Some material is inappropriate for children under 17. The play includes language and situations some patrons may consider offensive.
Parking is free in all university lots after 4:30 p.m. and on weekends, except in residential housing lots and in specially designated spaces.
Photo: Monster puppet workshop. Photo by Scott Robinson
CWU is the only state institution that offers a bachelor of fine arts degree with highly competitive programs in musical theatre, performance, and design and production.
Media Contact: Valerie Chapman-Stockwell, Public Affairs, 509-963-1518, valeriec@cwu.edu
November 28, 2016