Anna Bella Eema

Dec. 6, 7, and 8, 2023 at the Patricelli ‘92 Theater

My favorite project thus far, I was drawn to this play for the strange, magical, and empathetic ways it examines themes of generational trauma, mental illness, and gentrification. Its unification of surreal methodology with real-world issues is something I seek to investigate in all of my work.

The play, written by Lisa D’Amour, was the directing component of my Honors Thesis project at Wesleyan University. With the actors confined to three chairs for the majority of the play and a soundscape created using household objects rather than instruments, the show embraces unconventional staging and surreal theatrical narrative, with the story being told (and sung) directly to the audience by the actors rather than solely being performed in front of them. The project was awarded High Honors in Theater (Directing Concentration) in May of 2024.

Cast: Hannah Gorevic, River Isleib, and Kiara Reeves. Stage Managed by Desireé Lyons. Assistant Directed by Jerry Persaud, Jr. Lighting Design by Luciel Sanchez. Costume Design by Greta Armbrust. Props by Lila Popell. Music Direction by Jackson Palmer.

Photos by Alex Shapiro.