Translated by Barbara Fuchs, Aina Soley, and Rhonda Sharrah
We collectively acknowledge that Michigan State University occupies the ancestral, traditional, and contemporary Lands of the Anishinaabeg – Three Fires Confederacy of Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi peoples. In particular, the University resides on Land ceded in the 1819 Treaty of Saginaw. We recognize, support, and advocate for the sovereignty of Michigan’s twelve federally-recognized Indian nations, for historic Indigenous communities in Michigan, for Indigenous individuals and communities who live here now, and for those who were forcibly removed from their Homelands. By offering this Land Acknowledgement, we affirm Indigenous sovereignty and will work to hold Michigan State University more accountable to the needs of American Indian and Indigenous peoples.
Stage Manager – Connor Reilly
Asst. Director – QueenMakeeda Taylor
Intimacy Direction – Alexis Black
Dance Choreography – Stefon Funderburke
Fight Choreography – Alexis Black, Kim Seabright Martin*, Jacob Squire*
Acting Coach – Mona Eldahshoury
Song Arrangements – Sebastian Barnett
Asst. Intimacy Director – Olivia Bath
Asst. Fight Choreo – Sebastian Barnett
Asst. Dance Choreo – QueenMakeeda Taylor
Fight Captain – Sebastian Barnett
Laura– Ava Ballagh
Baco – Andrew Brown
Vinny – Anthony Monteleone
Fedra – Ebony Battle
Minos – JaNyah Meadows
Teseo – Jhon Govaere
Ariadna – Nicole Merchant
Cintia – Olivia Hagar
Tebandro – Ritu Singhal
Tuna – Sebastian Barnett
Lidora – Zach Deande
Licas – Zhanna Yakubova
* Denotes MFA Acting candidate
Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz’s mythological comedy, Love is The Greater Labyrinth comes to the stage for the first time translated into English. Given the fame of the author, considered the first feminist in America, almost a pop icon in Latin American culture and a national symbol of Mexico, it is hard to understand why the theater of this illustrious 17th century nun is hardly performed on Anglo-American stages as her European contemporaries are.
My first contact with Sor Juana was in middle school, through hearsay of a section of her most known poem: “Foolish Men” in which she denounces the double standards of her society regarding women, a bold attitude that characterized her and earned her the zeal of the church for the rest of her career. I still remember the impact that the force of her ideas and her meter had on me.
We know of three comedies written by her, in which she displays all the finery of her pen and her poetic wit, but also her skill as a woman of the theatre. Well versed in the art of entertainment, Sor Juana does not skimp on amorous entanglements, confusions, duels and songs in her comedies. Although she wrote for the court of the Viceroys, her greatest benefactors and protectors, in this production I propose to bring her play to an environment closer to popular rather than courtly celebration, attempting to put her drama in dialogue with a more exacerbated physicality, trying to distance her verses from the dark intellectuality with which Hispanic Golden Age Drama is commonly associated by bringing it closer to the luminosity of the body. Other than this, perhaps presumptuous license on my part, Sor Juana’s theater does not require additions. This first translation into English, which I celebrate, does a marvelous job at conveying the pace and force of the Spanish original. I am grateful for the generosity of UCLA’s Diversifying the Classics translation group in allowing us to stage their translation and providing their expert guidance. I hope you enjoy the work of The Tenth Muse.
This text was translated by UCLA’s Diversifying the Classics project: Marta Albalá Pelegrín, Paul Fitzgibbon Cella, Barbara Fuchs, Sarah Grunnah, Richard Huddleson, Rafael Jaime, Saraí Jaramillo, Rachel Kaufman, Robin Kello, Laura Muñoz, Javier Patiño Loira, Amanda Riggle, Rhonda Sharrah, Cheché Silveyra, Aina Soley Mateu, Samantha Solis, Elizabeth Warren.
You can read our other translations and keep up with our latest projects on our website! http://diversifyingtheclassics.humanities.ucla.edu/
Our translations are free to use for educational and performance purposes with attribution to Diversifying the Classics, under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. We are happy to discuss and consult on performances and adaptations! Please notify us at diversifyingtheclassics.ucla@gmail.com prior to use.
Additionally, Special thanks to Dr. Anthony Grubbs and the Department of Romance and Classical Studies for their generous support and collaboration in bringing this production to life.
1 hour and 45 minutes with a 15 minute intermission
This show contains staged intimacy, staged violence and dipictions of death.
Department of Theatre Chairperson
Dr. Stephen Di Benedetto
Storefront Series Artistic Director
Alexis Black
Department of Theatre Production Manager
Abbie Tykocki
Department of Theatre Office Operations
Kath Clark
Publicity
Rachel Kramer, Advait Rathi, Lauren Spiegel
Faculty Mentors
Tina Newhauser – Stage Management
Abbie Tykocki – Publicity
Sarah Hendrickson – Commedia
Deric McNish – Text
Alexis Black and Rob Roznowski – Directing
AVA BALLAGH (Laura) Las Vegas, NV; Junior, BA theatre, BA broadcast journalism double major with a minor in human behavior. Ava was most recently seen as Edith in Charlotte’s Web and Fabian in Twelfth Night. Ava can also be seen this semester assistant choreographing The STEAM Plays and leading They’re So Dramatic! She sends her love to her friends and family near and far! She has loved working on this production and hopes you enjoy the show! @ava.elizabeth21
SEBASTIAN BARNETT (Tuna/Assistant Fight Choreographer/Fight Captain)
SEBASTIAN BARNETT (Tuna/Assistant Fight Choreographer/Fight Captain) Muskegon, MI; Senior BFA Acting for Stage, Screen, and New Media/Dual Major Psychology/MT Minor. Sebastian is so excited to be back performing at MSU! Recent credits include: MSU’s productions of Head Over Heels (Ensemble) and Bright Star (Jimmy Ray). He is also a leader of After School Special Improv and the President of D&D&DoT! Yay! Sebastian would like to thank his parents, his castmates, his friends, and his Barnie Apprentice pals for keeping him sane these past few months. Thank you for coming, enjoy the show! Insta: @seabass.b.67
EBONY BATTLE (Fedra) Kalamazoo, MI; Senior, BFA Acting for Stage, Screen and New Media. Ebony was most recently part of the ensemble cast of Precious Winners All. She is also part of the After School Special Improv. Ebony would like to thank her family and friends for their unconditional support. She is excited to be performing in the storefront and hopes you enjoy the show.
ANDREW BROWN (Baco) Casper, WY; Senior, BFA Acting for Stage, Screen, & New Media, Musical Theatre and Dance Minors. Andrew is excited to be a part of this semester’s Storefront Initiative, especially for this world premiere. Recent MSU credits include Schoolhouse Rock Live! (George), Midsummer Night’s Dream (Flute), Charlotte’s Web (Wilbur), and In Emily’s Words (Edgar). He is also the vice president of Second Stage Productions. He would like to thank his family and friends for their continuous support and Zach for being his favorite show buddy and best friend. @andrew_brown817
ZACH DEANDE (Lidoro) Dallas, Tx; Senior BFA Acting for Stage, Screen, and New Media with minors in Musical Theatre and in Dance. Zach is so excited to be a part of this season’s storefront! Some of his recent favorite roles include School House Rock Live! (Joe), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Bottom), The Rocky Horror Picture Show (Riff Raff), Pippin (Pippin). He would love to thank all his amazing friends and family for their amazing support and love. He would especially love to thank Andrew for being his role model and biggest cheerleader! He hopes you all enjoy the show! Insta: @zacharydeande
JHON GOVAERE (Teseo) Chelsea, MI; Junior, BFA Acting for Stage, Screen, and New Media. Jhon has recently worked on Michigan State University’s productions of Charlotte’s Web (Avery), the Orchesis Dance Company’s Spring Showcase Impetus (Lighting Designer), and Peppermint Creek’s production of White (Tanner). He is also thrilled to be in his first storefront production at MSU and would love to thank his best friends and family for their never-ending support. Thank you for coming, enjoy the show!
OLIVIA HAGAR (Cintia) Clarkston, MI; Sophomore BFA Acting. Olivia is thrilled to be a part of this wonderful production! She was most recently seen in Charlotte’s Web, The Rocky Horror Show, and MSU Unscripted. In addition to performing in shows, Olivia also spends her time performing as a princess at children’s birthday parties. She would like to thank her family and friends for their endless support, and hopes you enjoy the show!
JaNYAH MEADOWS (She/her/hers) (king Minos)
JaNYAH MEADOWS (She/her/hers) (king Minos) Detroit , MI; sophomore , BFA Acting for Stage, and screen. JaNyah is excited to be a part of her first production at MSU! She worked backstage (costume crew) for charlottes web. JaNyah works as a theatre teacher for YES Detroit. She wants to thank her family and friends for their support and thank everyone for coming to the show, hope you all enjoy!
Insta; iamnijajanae
NICOLE MERCHANT (Ariadna) Bloomfield Hills, MI; Sophomore BFA Theatre/Musical Theatre Minor. Nicole Is extremely excited to be in her first Mainstage production at MSU! Previous credits include Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief (Clarisse/ensemble), A Streetcar Named Desire (Stella Kowalski), and M*cbeth (Lady Macbeth). Nicole also loves performing in various cabaret productions, including MSU idol and SSMT Cabaret. Nicole would like to thank her family, friends, castmates, and production team for their endless support and encouragement!
ANTHONY MONTELEONE (Vinny) Gillette, WY; Sophomore, BA Theatre/Creative Writing Minor. Anthony Monteleone has recently been seen in a variety of productions ranging from Rapunzel’s Prince in Into the Woods to Constantine Bouc in Murder on the Orient Express. As of current, Anthony is the current head of Second Stage Playwriting, and is working on writing several different scripts. He sincerely hopes you enjoy the show.
CONNOR REILLY (He/Him/His) Production Stage Manager; Junior BFA Stage Management; Arts and Cultural Management Minor; Spanish Minor; Connor has most recently worked on Mason Street Warehouse’s productions for Jersey Boys and Kinky Boots (Stage Manager Intern), the Orchesis Dance Company’s Spring Showcase Impetus (Production Stage Manager), and The Roller Derby Play (Assistant Stage Manager). at Devos Conference Hall. Connor would like to thank his family and his best friends, Hope, Jhon, Cayla, and Renee for just being amazing!
RITU SINGHAL (Tebandro)
RITU SINGHAL (Tebandro) Pune, India; BFA Acting for Stage, Screen and New Media with a minor in entrepreneurship. Ritu was last seen in Freshman showcase-Improv Show, and some on camera work with the Commerical Ashvagandha and played ‘Riya’ in ‘Main Squeeze’. When not acting, she is often telling jokes, jumping from heights, sharing a smile, chasing sunsets and always loves meeting new people. Ritu is ready to put on a show of a lifetime and is excited to do some sword work in this production. She loves her cast and crew, the show and knows the audience will love it all just as much. Ritu would love to thank her family and friends. Lights, camera, action – enjoy the show! 🙂
Insta- @rituseenghal
QUEEN MAKEEDA TAYLOR (Assistant Director/Dance- Movement Director)
QUEEN MAKEEDA TAYLOR (Assistant Director/Dance- Movement Director) Southfield, MI; Senior BFA Acting for Stage, Screen, and New Media major with a minor in Creative Writing. If you would have asked Queen Makeeda what she would be doing this semester a year ago, she would probably say ¨acting in a show¨. QueenMakeeda was last seen in Charlotte’s Web, Roller Derby Play, Broadway Our Way a Colorful Cabaret, Hit the Wall, and Particle. Also, you may catch her ballroom dancing at many competitions. QueenMakeeda is so excited for the world to see this show for the first time. She is so happy to have worked with this lovely cast and crew. She would love to thank Oscar and Stefon for making this experience so fun for her. Lastly, she sends love to the best fight choreographers, Baelfire, and her family. Enjoy the best storefront show ever!
ZHANNA YAKUBOVA (Licas) Detroit, MI/Moscow, Russia; Junior BFA Acting/Dual major Linguistics; Spanish minor. Zhanna is thrilled to be in her first Mainstage MSU production. Previous credits include Little shop of Horrors (Ensemble/Television reporter), For The Love Of: (or, the roller derby play) (Wardrobe Crew). She would like to thank her parents, sister Anna, and her friends for their support and inspiration, and she hopes you enjoy the show! Insta: @bibarbie313
Friends of Theatre is a membership organization promoting, encouraging and enhancing activities of the MSU Department of Theatre. We organize events and programs that expand the community experience of theatre. We also create fund-raising opportunities and promote improvements in the programs and facilities of the MSU Department of Theatre. How can you join? Make a donation to the Michigan State University Department of Theatre and you will become a most welcome member. Click here to learn more.
We would like to express our gratitude to the following friends who have generously supported the MSU Department of Theatre during the past year. If we have inadvertently left your name off this list, please accept our apologies and contact us so that we may make the correction. This list is current as of 11/01/2022.
Named Summer Circle Courtyard Donors
Sam and Mary Austin
Selma Hollander
Linda Nelson
Gretel Geist Rutledge
Jane K. Vieth and Alan P. Suits
Diamond ($2,500+, Season Sponsors)
Robert W. Matson
Anonymous
Platinum ($1,000-$2,500, Show Sponsors)
Sam M. and Mary E. Austin
John and Gretchen Forsyth
John I. Nichols
Alan Suits and Jane Vieth Suits
Gold ($500-1,000)
Philip and Jacqueline Babcock
Kirk A. Domer
Rose and Jim Zacks
Silver ($250-$500)
John F Baumgart
Michael G. Burry, D.O. and Mrs. Tina M. Burry
Karen M. Kangas-Preston
Robert J. Roznowski
Bronze ($100-$250)
Kwafo L. Adarkwa and
Mia K. Gougeon-Adarkwa
Dr. Walter Baird and Marilyn Baird
Mrs. Barbara L. and Dr. Steven J. Bursian
Jeanie E. Croope
Robert J. DeWaal and Christine A. Aiello
Maribeth Fletcher
Craig J. Gunn
Dean O. and Nancy E. Haney
Leonore F Helder
Linda D. and Ross Howard
Jerry and Karen Jennings
Jean Lyle Lepard
John L. Lepard and Emily C. Sutton-Smith
Dr. and Mrs. Edward A. Oxer
Carol Payne Smith
Frana K. Potter
Jeffrey D. and Gwen Seguin
Mary L. Terrien
Jacqueline M. Titus
Dr. and Mrs. Ewen C. D. Todd
Dorothy R. Van Looy
Barbara S. Wepman
Jane S. and Mark R. Zussman
Pewter ($50-$100)
Lynn H Aguado
Elizabeth A. Baker Newell and
Robert H. Newell
Daniel F. Buonodono and
Sonia M. Cornell Buonodono
Bess German
Seth Goble
Bruce E. and Nicole R. Greenway
Amy G. and Robert E. Kilbridge
Geoffrey C. Kimmerly
Jeffrey S. Lambert
Marla K. and Dale Lambert
Elizabeth S. Lepak
Bernadette M. Lum and Robert Terranova
Michael B. and Rebekah J. McKenney
Mary T. and Ulrich Meierfrankenfeld
Janice L. Mernitz
Vicki A. and Richard J. Miksicek
Joshua R. Nahum
Susan H. Neller
Aidan J. Shepherd
Rosanne Singer and Steve Mencher
Bryan Taylor
Richard K. Thomas
Donald K. Topliff
Aman Yadav and Emily C. Bouck
Craig W. and Kathleen D.Zerkle
Frederick P. Zirm and Robinwyn D. Lewis
Contributions made to the Honor/Memorial Giving Program offers you a way to honor any important occasion, including birthdays, weddings, and anniversaries. It is also a special way to remember those who are no longer with us.
The honoree will receive a beautiful card notifying them of your thoughtful gift. Any contribution of $50 or more will be listed in our program all season long (July 1 through June 30).
In Honor of Ms. Teriah N. Fleming
Prof. Kirk A. Domer
Dixie Durr
The Dixie Durr Scholarship Fund
Virginia E. Albright
The Virginia Albright Acting Scholarship Fund
Gretel Greist Rutledge
The Frank C. Rutledge Scholarship in Theatre
The Gretel Geist Rutledge Annual Student Awards for Design Excellence in Theatre Production
Selma Hollander
The Stanley and Selma Hollander Endowed Graduate Fellowship In Theatre
Mary Culpepper
The Barbara Hacker Baldwin Theatre Scholarship
