Emporia State University Theatre presents “Time Stands Still” by Donald Margulies. Performances are scheduled for Nov. 14, 15 and 16 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 17 at 2 p.m. in the Ronald Q. Frederickson Theatre, in Roosevelt Hall.
“When I first read this play by Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Donald Margulies in 2010, it immediately raced to the top of my ‘must-do’ bucket list,” said director Jim Harris. “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to bring this deeply introspective drama to life with my colleagues and students at ESU Theatre.”
He continued: “At its core, this story explores the intersection of love, trauma, and ethical responsibility through the lives of Sarah, a photojournalist recently injured while covering the horrors of war, and James, her partner and a war correspondent grappling with his own emotional scars. Together, they must confront the impact of their choices and what it means to live authentically after witnessing the extremes of human suffering. How does one balance the desire for a normal life—love, stability, and safety—with the drive to confront and expose the world’s injustices? Is it selfish to seek personal happiness when there is so much suffering in the world? Can love survive when it is burdened by guilt and trauma? The play doesn’t offer easy answers, but it does invite us to wrestle with the complexities of being human, of loving, and of bearing witness to the world’s tragedies.”
This production handles topics such as war and violence, PTSD and infidelity and includes strong language. Please visit emporia.edu/tickets and scroll down to the “Time Stands Still” event for more information on content warnings.
Visit emporia.edu/tickets for reservations or additional information or call the box office at (620) 341-5256 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on weekdays with any questions. The show runs approximately 90 minutes with a 15-minute intermission. Tickets will also be available at the Ronald Q. Frederickson Theatre Box Office one hour before the show.
The cast consists of Hannah Johnson (Potwin) as Sarah, Lewis Trotter (Abilene) as James, Jyck Green (Lenexa) as Richard, and Lexie Vega (Iola) as Mandy.
The production team includes Director Jim Harris, Production Stage Manager Maya Lee (Wichita), Assistant Stage Manager Libby Hitchcock (Olathe), Scenic Designer Nic Wilson, Costume Designer Rachel Shaffer (Moran), Hair and Makeup Design/Costume Crew Head Vaughn Lolley (Topeka), Lighting Designer Carly Welter (Olathe), Sound Designer Krais Baker (Yates Center), Properties Coordinator Danielle McClellan (Americus), Technical Director Chris Lohkamp, Costume Shop Manager Kelsey Looney, and Light Board Operator Evie Johnson (Canton).
The Run Crew consists of Maya Smith (Emporia). The Costume Crew consists of Luis Rivera Rede (Liberal), Aspen Walker (Goddard), Lizzy Thomas (St. Marys), Sam Haney (Larned), and Costume Maintenance Frankie Williams (Garnett). House Manager is Ashley Hill (Olathe).