By Silas Hardison II | Guest Writer
On Oct. 16, the University of Lynchburg theatre department will open what may be its last play, the comedic-thriller, ‘The 39 Steps’, but the five-member cast isn’t going quietly.
The play is a fast-paced mix of mystery, comedy, and theatrical ingenuity. The play follows an ordinary man whose life spirals into chaos after a chance encounter with a woman claiming to be a spy. When she turns up dead, he finds himself entangled in a nationwide chase by a shadowy group known as ‘The 39 Steps.’ Combining clever stagecraft, quick-change performances, and slapstick humor, the production promises an evening of high-energy entertainment and suspense-filled fun.
In May 2024 the University announced that it would be closing the theatre program. While those already enrolled could complete their majors, that has not stopped many from feeling cheated.
“As it stands now, I will be the last graduate of the theatre program,” says Kaizer Gutierrez-Wood, sophomore theatre student and ‘39 Steps’ cast member., “It’s not fair. It’s not fair that I don’t get my full theatre experience.”
It is this sentiment that has current theatre students and alumni using the stage to voice their grievances.
Gutierrez-Wood’s castmate, junior theatre student, Michael Tock laughed as he recounted how last year’s cast of “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” revamped a comedic scene and instead revealed to the audience a bloody tragedy while, noted alumnus Bill Bodine walked across the stage carrying a tombstone that read, ‘UofL CANCELS THEATRE’.
“This was my favorite bit from this show,” Tock said. “Getting to not only make light of a great injustice to our theatre and its students, but also to speak out against it and raise more awareness.”
Students hope these efforts will bring more people to the stage like Mytro Riley, a junior whose special education program has also been cut.
Tock said, “Theatre has always been political. It’s about speaking your mind in a world where that’s not accepted as much.”
Showings for ‘The 39 Steps’ will take place each night from Oct. 16 through Oct. 18 at 7:30 p.m. at Robert C. Hailey Theatre. Admission to the event is free.
