By: Michael French, UC Davis College of Letters & Science
The UC Davis Department of Theatre and Dance presents Qui Nguyen’s original dramatic comedy She Kills Monsters, beginning Nov. 21. The performance is directed by Davis resident Lucas Hatton (M.F.A., dramatic arts, ‘17).
Faced with the profound loss of her sister, Agnes Evans (played by Lana Lindley) processes her grief through the realm of Dungeons and Dragons.
“I feel fortunate to be working on a show with so much student enthusiasm around it. It’s made rehearsals very fun,” Hatton said. “We look forward to sharing that enthusiasm with audiences on the mainstage in Wright Hall in November.”
Hatton is the co-artistic director of Davis Repertory Theatre and has directed several acclaimed productions.
In She Kills Monsters, Agnes leaves her family’s home following the death of her teenage sister, Tilly. After finding Tilly’s Dungeons and Dragons notebook, Agnes finds herself catapulted into a journey of discovery in the imaginary world that was her sister’s refuge. The lively performance features puppetry as well as fierce fairies, nasty ogres, and 90s pop culture.
The “deceptively breezy and rather ingenious comedy” (The New York Times) is about finding real and metaphorical families, as well as a sense of self, through Dungeons and Dragons and deals with themes that every high schooler and college student confronts. The play features complex characters who lead well-rounded lives outside of the Dungeons and Dragons arena—some who deal with their family’s reactions when revealing their sexuality.
Collaborating with Hatton, the production’s creative team includes faculty members Ian Wallace (scenic design), Joanne Martin (costume design), and Ethan Hollinger (lighting, projection and sound design). New York-based fight choreographer Dan Renkin, a Davis native, staged the play’s battle scenes.
Performances held in the Main Theatre, Wright Hall, UC Davis. Content warning: Language, adult and LGBTQIA+ themes including violence, bullying and sexuality. Tickets are adults $5—15; available online at arts.ucdavis.edu/theatre-and-dance or at the box office.
Showtimes:
Nov. 21, 7p
Nov. 22, 7p
Nov. 23, 2p
Nov 23, 7p
Dec. 5, 7p
Dec 6, 7p
Dec 7, 2p
