The Trinity University Players (TUPS) is putting on a production of “5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche,” written by Evan Linder and Andrew Hobgood. This continues TUPS’ tradition of members directing a show, allowing students to gain hands-on directing experience and providing acting or crew experience for students in the theatre department.
This comedic play is about five lesbians in 1956 attending their annual quiche dinner for the Susan B. Anthony Society for the Sisters of Gertrude Stein, a social club for ‘widowed’ women.. However, a Soviet nuclear attack traps the women inside the church basement where their meeting takes place. In the wake of nuclear destruction, secrets come to light, and the five lesbians learn new revelations about each other and themselves.
The implementation of audience participation makes “5 Lesbians” a stand-out play. For example, in one scene, the lesbians chant “I am a lesbian” and they encourage the audience to join in.
Zsa Zsa Dubose, junior business analytics and technology major, is the director of “5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche.” She discusses what inspired her to direct the play for TUPS spring production.
“I was initially drawn to the play because of its feminist undertones, but what led me to choose the play was the sincerity of it. Its premise may be ridiculous and improbable, but for these characters the stakes are very real and so is the emotion,” Dubose said.
This is her first time solo directing a play, and she feels excited to have complete creative control over a theatrical project. Dubose described what she wants her version of “5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche” to accomplish.
“Of course, I want ‘5 Lesbians’ to be well-received and enjoyed, but I have other goals as well. I’d like it to set a precedent for TUPS to do more straight plays in the future, but I think most importantly I want the audience to immerse themselves in the world of the play,” Dubose said.
Arlo Castilan, first-year neuroscience major, plays the character Vern, a strong and caring butch lesbian who is in several male-dominated fields like welding and carpentry. Castilan described the production’s collaborative culture and how it may impact performances.
“As production has been moving forward, I’ve noticed that everyone, both in the cast and crew, has been adding their own little creative touch to the play. In the end, I hope to see elements of everyone’s ideas fully come to life to make a production that is truly unique,” Castilan said.
Arwen Loxsom, first-year theatre major, plays Wren Robin, the events chairwoman of the Susan B. Anthony Society for the Sisters of Gertrude Stein. Loxsom expressed their excitement about exploring Wren’s character and performing in a dynamic play.
“It’s so wacky and hilarious the majority of the time, but there are also touching moments that are really interesting to explore through my character. If I can capture both ends of that spectrum in my performance I’d consider it a major success,” Loxsom said.
“5 Lesbians Eating Quiche” runs April 5-6 in the Cafe Theatre on the first floor of the Ruth Taylor Theatre Building.
