Theater season opens with drama

The fall theater season at Southeastern Louisiana University begins with the “Murderous Innocent” at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 16 at the Vonnie Borden Theatre.

Assistant Professor of Acting and Directing Jim Winter directs the contemporary drama written by New York playwright Tommy Jamerson, one of Winter’s former students in the Master of Fine Arts creative writing program at the University of New Orleans.

“I love doing original work. The more I direct, the more I enjoy doing brand-new pieces,” Winter said.

The play will run Oct. 16-19.

General admission tickets are $10; $6 for SLU faculty and staff, seniors and non-SLU students; and SLU students are admitted free with university ID.

Tickets are available at the Vonnie Borden box office in D Vickers Hall, (985) 549-2115. The box office will be staffed from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. starting Monday. Sales will resume at 6:30 p.m. on performance nights.

“Murderous Innocent” tells the story of a modern-day Miami couple Jacob and Sarah Freeman, who meet Jacob’s daughter, Dani, the child of an extramarital affair.

The role of Jacob will be performed by guest artist Jarred Marlatt, who studied theater in Pennsylvania and works as coordinator of Writing Workshops Abroad at the University of New Orleans.

The roles of Sarah and Dani will be played by SLU students Lynsey Manley and Jaimee Barbee, both of Covington.

Winter withheld the identity of the play’s only remaining character, Hillary, leaving that information a surprise for opening night.

The play incorporates a mix of sound and stylized movements. The audience can expect jazz from Miles Davis throughout the performances, along with the noise effects of layered voices and song.

Winter said he is most proud of the student commitment to the production.

“I think this is going to be a good example of our students at their A game,” he said. “I’m looking forward to some really strong performances.

“The play is almost entirely student designed. I think you’ve got to come in with an open mind and be ready for an intense 80 minutes.”