“Bug,” written by American playwright Tracy Letts and directed by senior communication major Om*, will be performed at the Attic Theater. The play is part of the Student Lab Series, performances completely produced by Trinity University students, and it will be performed Oct. 19 to Oct. 21.

The play details the story of Agnes White, a woman escaping from her abusive ex-husband, and Peter Evans, a man dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder from the army, as they encounter bugs in a motel. Diving into themes of delusion and conspiracy theories, these two characters sink into a state of shared paranoia. Dylan Hoffman, junior marketing major, plays the role of Agnes in the upcoming production.

“It’s a really deep and serious play. They’re good for each other, but also bad for each other. They end up spiraling in their own traumas together,” Hoffman said. “It was really interesting to watch that play out between different characters and see their different stories and traumas, and how together they can help each other, but also be their worst enemy.”

Betsy Hammer, sophomore urban studies major, plays the role of R.C., White’s best friend, who introduces White to Evans. Hammer described her experience playing her role in the play.

“It’s a psychological thriller that investigates some really dark themes, but is overall super interesting and nothing I’ve seen done in a play before, at least here at Trinity,” Hammer said.

Since “Bug” is part of the Student Lab Series, the play is directed, managed and put on by students. Abigail Wang, first-year biology and art double-major, is the stage manager of the production. Wang discussed her experience working with Dighe and the production team.

“Om is very understanding and I’ve been really thankful for the position I’ve been given,” Wang said. “It’s a very mutual understanding between actors, directors and tech about what needs to be accomplished.”

Hammer also had a similar experience with the play’s environment. She spoke about the understanding between the different members and collaboration that came from it being a student-led production.

“It’s so much more of a chill experience and everyone really gets to be a part of the process,” Hammer said. “It’s not just a director yelling orders at us … it feels like we all really had a hand in creating it.”

Of course, the play didn’t come without its own sets of problems which Hoffman and Wang both encountered. However, they both feel like these issues were resolving.

“I feel like we haven’t had too much time … but we’re doing the best we can with the time that we have, and we’ve been doing good so far,” Hoffman said.

Another issue that has come up, according to Wang, is filling positions. Not enough people were able to help out.

“We’ve been having difficulties finding technicians,” Wang said. “It’s getting where people are sharing positions and taking on two positions.”

“Bug” will be performed from 7 to 8 p.m. following the other Student Lab Series play “Why Do You Smoke So Much, Lily?”.

Students should know that the play handles darker themes such as post-traumatic stress disorder, and according to Wang, the dark comedy isn’t for everyone.

“I think the play is beautifully written, and really shows the downside of having a not good mental state and how you can possibly and accidentally drag people down with you,” Hoffman said.

*Om Dighe is an arts columnist for the Trinitonian.