Original MET Play “Exuviae” Scheduled at FCC
“Exuviae,” an original play created by The Maryland Ensemble Theater (MET), will be presented at Frederick Community College on Wednesday, March 3 at 7:30 p.m. The production explores the pain of domestic violence and will be performed in the Jack B. Kussmaul Theater in F Building. Admission is free, thanks to the generous support of the Ausherman Family Foundation.
The play explores the layers of shame, guilt and suffering shed by survivors of domestic violence and is metaphorically titled for the exuviae of various organisms — the cast-off shells of crabs, snails, and other sea creatures, or the skins of larvae and insect nymphs.
MET likes to experiment with a variety of theatre forms, and “Exuviae” is no exception, using the landscape, rhythms and behavioral patterns of the insect world as it’s pallet of inspiration. The result is a piece that explores domestic violence through compelling movement and text, celebrating the survivors who struggle to shed layers of fear, humiliation and isolation.
The idea for the play came to MET associate artistic director Julie Heber several years ago, as she sat on her porch. “It was just getting dark, and I could hear all the different insects chirping and making their noises,” Herber says. “And I thought, it’s like each one has a story, like each bug noise was a different story.”
The idea evolved into a platform for the voices of battered women. Herber and her cast created “Exuviae” over several months, researching domestic violence cases, creating characters, and working with local groups such as Heartly House, an organization that provides services to victims of domestic violence.
The play was included in MET’s 2008-09 season. Through the support of the Ausherman Family Foundation, “Exuviae” has been touring area colleges since it closed at MET in April 2009.
Herber says domestic violence is an ongoing community issue, one that affects all kinds of families. A panel discussion will follow the performance, so audience members may talk with the cast, director and guest experts about the show and its creation.
“Exuviae” features the talents of MET Ensemble Members Sophie Arrick, Gené Fouché, Rona Mensah, Joann Lee, Allison Lepelletier, and Karen Paone.
“Exuviae” is MET’s sixth original production, following successes such as “Planet Claire” and “Something Brilliant Will Come to Us.”
For more information, contact Tad Janes, FCC assistant professor and drama advisor, at tjanes@frederick.edu or 301.846.2515.
