NACOGDOCHES, Texas – The Stephen F. Austin State University School of Theatre will present the student-directed one-act play “Hand Gestures” in virtual only performances at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 26, and at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 27.

 

Directed by Sara Clark, Plano senior theatre major, the play by Caitlin Turnage is about finding the courage to come to terms with the person you really are.

 

Lou came to Nkandla, KwaZulu-Natal for a mission trip with her church. She found something, or someone, she never intended on finding, Samukelisiwe. Now Lou’s mission trip is coming to an end. However, Sam doesn’t want to let go of the relationship they formed together and the feelings they share while Lou is desperately trying to leave the town, her feelings, and Sam behind at risk of turning her whole life upside down. Lou must come to terms with her suppressed identity and feelings to be with Sam, or just leave it all behind. And Sam is doing everything she can to hold onto the girl she loves, despite Lou’s rejection of anything that wasn’t her plan.

 

The cast includes Fatimah Green, Houston junior, as Samukelisiwe, and Madeline Murphy, Jacksonville junior, as Lou.

 

Dorie Bloodworth, spring junior, is stage manager; David Cleghorn, Georgetown sophomore, is audio/video designer; and Josiah Richardson, Wylie sophomore, is audio/visual technician.

 

As director, Clark said, “I chose to direct this show because I believe it’s important to see representation in shows like this. While the world is changing for the better, many people are still raised to think small and be set on a certain path. However, it is important to open yourself to new experiences and let yourself be who you feel on the inside. I am so excited to share this story with everyone! It’s a great show, and I think it has an important message for us all.”

 

Faculty production advisor for “Hand Gestures” is Dr. Inga Meier.

 

Streaming access fee is $4. Visit the SFA Fine Arts Box Office online at boxoffice.sfasu.edu or call (936) 468-6407 to purchase access. Box office sales end at 3 p.m. on March 26. For more information about the play, call the School of Theatre at (936) 468-4003 or visit theatre.sfasu.edu.