UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State Centre Stage will produce Morgan Lloyd Malcolm's "Emilia," directed by Jenny Lamb, April 11-22 at the Pavilion Theatre on the University Park campus.
"Emilia" tells the story of Emilia Bassano Lanier, a writer of radical feminist poetry who lived during the English Renaissance period in Bishopsgate, London, England. There is little known about Emilia, though history indicates her works are one of the first published collections of poetry written by a woman in England. Historians speculate that Emilia may be the "Dark Lady" of William Shakespeare’s sonnets.
The show, "Emilia," signifies the importance of lifting up marginalized voices — the cast and story are centered around non-male people. The cast portray different versions of Emilia throughout the play. These versions consist of individuals of varying social classes and interests — including men, women, lords, ladies, peasants, muses and musicians.
"An ignored voice becomes a raging fire. That for me is at the heart of this play. This play that is an imaginative telling of an erased history — an ignored voice — that speaks to us now from the imaginary ether to reclaim her time and to give us fair warning," said Lamb.
On April 19, the University Park Undergraduate Association will sponsor "Burn Bright: Women and Non-Binary Night," with a talk-back following the performance. All seats $10.
Evening performances at 7:30 p.m. are $20; preview/matinees at 7:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. are $18.50; and tickets for students are $12.50. Visit the Penn State Centre Stage website for additional show information.