Soccer-centric production continues on university’s Main Stage

Ashland.news staff report

Soccer fans especially, take note: A play now at Southern Oregon University is for you and anyone with an interest in the greater themes that can be found in women’s sports.

SOU Theater presents their first production of the academic year “The Wolves” by Sarah DeLappe. The show, which opened Nov. 11 at the Southern Oregon University Main Stage Theatre, has five of its eight performances left, wrapping up on Sunday, Nov. 19.   

“The Wolves” was written by Sarah DeLappe in 2016 and is a contemporary show that celebrates female athleticism and power in an on-stage immersive indoor soccer arena called the City Sports Dome. These young women are part of an elite high school girls’ soccer team and will take the audience on a journey of identity, community, and loss experienced as teenage girls come of age. As the Astroturf becomes a battlefield, the audience will feel with the cast, the unmistakable ping of navigating heavy issues and ultimately, finding one’s place in the world. 

“If you’ve ever wanted to be a fly on the wall and witness young women ferociously being themselves, celebrating their athleticism, and coming into their own, then this is the show for you,” said Domenique Lozano, director, in a news release. 

For Lozano, this is a directorial debut at SOU. As a west coast-based director and actress, Lozano’s directing credits include UC Berkeley’s productions of “Men on Boats,” “Curly Fries-a webisode series,” “Tartuffe,” “Caucasian Chalk Circle” at St. Mary’s College; “The Comedy of Errors” and “The Importance of Being Earnest” at SPARC (Livermore Shakespeare). Acting credits include work with California Shakespeare Theatre, Berkeley Repertory Theater, CenterRep and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Lozano is currently teaching acting as an adjunct faculty member in the Theatre Department at SOU.

Featuring a small cast of 10 SOU students, “The Wolves” includes: Jasmine Welks – Player #00 (Goalie),
Alexis Edwards – Player #2, Tegan Kelley – Player #7, Sarah Watson – Player #8, Mary-Ellen McGinnis – Player #11, Byers Sullivan – Player #13, Julia Gibbs – Player #14, Emma Richardson – Player #25, Georgia Black – Player #46 and Meredith Cook as the Soccer Mom.

“This has been one of the most fulfilling shows I’ve worked on in a long time. Between the amazing script, wonderful cast, and incredible crew, this show will always hold a special place in my heart. It’s also been an exciting experience working with an all-female/non-binary cast and crew in the rehearsal room. We’ve created such a creative, collaborative, and supportive rehearsal environment that makes me genuinely excited to go to rehearsal every single night. The rigorous soccer drills and emotional toll of returning to the world of a teenage girl have made this a very taxing yet gratifying experience. I cannot wait to share this experience with the community and hope that people can learn a thing or two from this fiercely truthful story,” said MaryEllen McGinnis, player #11, and a junior theatre major at SOU. 

Seating is limited for each show (116 seats only) and general admission (first come, first choice). A rush line for empty seats at show time and sold-out shows will be available. 

“I designed the set where the audience is actually seated on the stage, up close with the actors to create a sense of intimacy. There needed to be enough space to put a smaller version of an indoor soccer field, as well as seat those in a way where they felt as if they weren’t just watching the play unfold, but also to experience the show as fans of the game. The end result came out great, with actual AstroTurf on the stage and a U-shaped arena. I’m excited for everyone to enjoy a close-up on ‘The Wolves,’” said Izzy Ousey, scenic designer. 

Behind the scenes, “The Wolves” cast and crew is made up of a lot of former soccer players. 

“As the stage manager for this show, I was able to connect my past as an indoor soccer player which also helped me develop as a stage manager,” said Grace Bennett, a senior at SOU. “I saw my own story play out on the field in rehearsals and I’m giddy with excitement to share this play with the audiences.

Source: Southern Oregon University news release. Email Ashland.news at [email protected].