"The Lesson" Kicks Off 2021-22 Season

The fall is always a busy time for St. Ambrose's Theatre Department, and many are ready to get back into the swing of things. Kicking off the 2021-22 season this year is the one-act play by Eugene Ionesco, The Lesson.

The Lesson revolves around an absurdist plot concerning a timid professor who uses the meaning he assigns to words to establish tyrannical dominance over an eager female student. Its themes include questioning those who are in authority, abuse of power, and manipulation. This one-act additionally becomes quite dark at times, but there are sparks of comedy as well that will entice the audience.

The department is especially enthusiastic to welcome back a very familiar face to direct this show, alum TJ Green '20. Green is excited and cannot wait to tackle this new project.

"This has been one of my dream shows for a while. Eugene Ionesco is one of my favorite playwrights and I am excited for the challenge it brings," Green said. "I am most looking forward to playing with darker horror elements. My past directing projects have been pretty light and grounded. It's exciting to be a little more fantastical."

As stated previously, Green has been a huge fan of Eugene Ionesco, and his work. So he jumped at this opportunity. According to Green, "I was asked if I wanted to direct in the studio in May and I presented a few options I was excited about and this was the one that was the best fit for our department."

Green additionally reflected on his time here at St. Ambrose and all that he has learned to prepare him for this opportunity.

"The directing class was a huge help (and a lot of work)," Green said. "Of course it also helped to be in productions and see what elements I wanted to implement in my own directing style."

Auditions took place August 27, and Green was ready to see what the students of the department had in store for him.

"I enjoyed getting to see old and new faces perform again," Green said. "It's been a hard year and it's just nice to be able to watch my friends act again."

Make sure to keep an eye out for The Lesson coming to you this fall. The performances will be held on September 30 and October 1 at 7 p.m. and October 2 at 3 p.m.