MERCED, Calif. — Merced College Performing Arts students have been working hard this semester to embody art that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. They’ll put it into action during a spring production that examines the extraordinary career and impact of feminist icon Gloria Steinem in the Emily Mann-penned play entitled “Gloria: A Life,” opening Friday, March 15.
The show challenges the audience to reexamine themes stemming from the gender equality movement through the experiences of Steinem and her peers, colleagues and detractors starting in the 1960s through to the present day. The issues remain critical in the 21st century, and that’s one of many reasons to offer this production to audiences in 2024.
“Theatre at its best educates, entertains, and inspires,” said Director and Theater Professor Lauren McCue-Bryx. “I hope this show gets the audience thinking, talking, and advocating for gender equality long after they leave the theater. “It’s exciting to bring this play to Merced. We’ve never worked on a production that’s so focused on women, on feminism, and then having a chance to dialogue about that.”
The two-act play will be presented in the round by an all-female cast — each actor plays multiple female and male roles — as well as a team of students taking the lead on projections, music and costumes. Sophomore Alyssa Thorp, who plays Steinem, is the only actor who never leaves the stage during the 90-minute production.
While the play focuses on Steinem’s career, it also uses her to highlight the contributions of other leaders in second-wave feminism. Steinem herself credits Black women for teaching her about feminism and for pushing the movement forward.
The play amplifies the voices of Black leaders like Dorothy Pitman Hughes, Coretta Scott King and Florynce Kennedy. Those stories will be told during seven performances directed by McCue-Bryx, with scenic and lighting design by Technical Director Chad Phillips at the Merced College Theater.
Because of the strong language and mature themes presented in the play, including discussion of sexual harassment and domestic violence, the performance is recommended for individuals aged 14 and older. “Gloria: A Life” premieres March 15 at 7:30 p.m.
Additional evening performances, also starting at 7:30 p.m., will be held March 16, 21, 22 and 23. Matinee performances will be staged on March 17 and March 24, both at 2 p.m. General admission tickets are $15. Discounted tickets for seniors, students, military and children are $10. The March 21 performance is College Night, when tickets will cost $5 for all college students. Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase. Tickets can be purchased online at mccd.tix.com<https://www.tix.com/ticket-sales/mccd/4916> or at the Merced College Theater Box Office, which is located in front of the theater at 3600 M St. in Merced. The box office will be open an hour prior to each performance. College students, seniors, and military must show their IDs at the box office to receive the discounted price.
For more information, contact the Theater Box Office at 209-384-6284 or visit mccd.tix.com<https://www.tix.com/ticket-sales/mccd/4916>.