Locally written play takes ENMU stage Saturday

Refreshed and invigorated, the play Mia, Emma and Rose will once again take the stage at the Eastern New Mexico University Theater Center at 7 p.m. on Saturday, after a gala invitation-only event on Friday.

The play, written by Janeice Scarbrough, was first performed at ENMU in April. Since that time, the play has been chosen to perform at the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival, to be held in Amarillo, said Scarbrough.

“We are thanking people for their support,” said Scarbrough on the return of the play to ENMU.

After performing at ENMU, the play will continue on to Amarillo in November for the Kennedy Center Festival, said Scarbrough. A regional competion, rounds will be held in Amarillo and Tulsa, Okla. A win at the Tulsa festival, will afford the play an opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C., said Scarbrough.

After attending a conference in Washington, D. C. over the summer, Scarbrough rewrote the play after gaining feedback from two literary managers, she said. The play has been rewritten and focuses in on a smaller portion of the story, said Scarbrough.

Exploring the dynamics and complexities of adoption, the play focuses on the relationship between Rose and her daughter, Emma, who she had to give up for adoption. Incorporating a historical theme into the play, Scarbrough created the character of Rose, based upon the Magdalen Asylums. Traveling to Ireland, allowed Scarbrough to do research on the subject, she said.

Scarbrough describes the character of Rose as a survivor and a practical person. She finds her daughter Mia and shows up on her doorstep to pursue a relationship. Mia, on the other hand is not receptive to Rose becoming a part of her life, said Scarbrough.

“This play revolves around mothers and daughters, said Scarbrough. There’s a serious theme to the play, but also some funny moments to.”

In the second run of the play, the cast and crew have had to face a few challenges that were not in the previous play, said Anne Beck, director. The play has gone from a stage where audience members where on three sides, to a bigger stage, facing one direction, said Beck.

“It’s been very challenging, because we have had to change the space and deal with different configurations,” said Beck.

New cast members have also been added, replacing others from the previous run, said Beck. The actors have not had the experience of playing the characters before. Both the actors and the director have had to make decisions concerning the direction of the script. The cast is having to answer the questions that are referred to in the play, said Beck. They have had to bring in their own style and representation of the characters, said Beck.

“It’s been challenging and exciting,” said Beck.