Theatre MSU began its spring season with the production of “Secrets of a Modern-Day Muse,” in which the cast will display works of art, poetry and song through their interpretations of a modern-day woman.Director M.J. Etua described the show as an “exploration of what inspires and shapes who we are.”
Maggie Spann, who plays the youngest of the six muses, said that most of the script was written by the cast itself. Not only is the script completely original, but Etua allowed the actresses to pick out their own costumes.
“Everyone should come experience this, men and women, because it isn’t a bunch of girls talking about only things applicable to the female life,” Spann said. “It is an interpretation of original works inspired by the world we live in that both men and women can enjoy.”
The idea of the show lies within the muses that represent memory, love, passion, comedy, poetry, history and tradition. Instead of portraying the ideas of the ancient Grecian muses, though, they represent the essence of women present within today’s world. Spann said “Modern-Day Muse” also depicts hymns and sacred songs, tragedy, wisdom and universal love and astronomy.
There were no auditions held for the show. Anyone who was interested in being a part of the production had the opportunity to write and perform in the show. The cast first began meeting in January but began practicing about a week ago. Their first dress rehearsal with all members present took place on Wednesday. Aside from the six muses, there are two others involved in the production – Wayne Durst, in charge of the set and lighting, and director Etua, who also came up with the title.
“We were all sitting down in McComas Hall one rainy Saturday afternoon discussing pieces we had already written or wanted to write, and the director kind of brainstormed and came up with the name on the spot,” Spann said. “She is just that good.”
Spann has been involved with Theatre MSU since her freshman year, with her first acting role last spring. She’s also a member of Lab Rats Comedy, an improvisational troupe at Mississippi State.
“Acting is something I enjoy because it isn’t just looking pretty and reading lines,” she said. “It involves so much of what I enjoy that, if the opportunity is made available, I would love to act for a living. I can’t think of a cooler career.”
Aside from acting, Spann enjoys singing, writing, laughing, spending time with friends and doing anything crafty.
“You know, the usual,” she said.
Etua will lead the audience on a road to self-discovery and joyfully engage the crowd in human emotion. Spann hopes the audience will be inspired and moved, she said. Regardless of experience in the theater field, the audience has the opportunity to engage themselves in sadness, satire and seduction.
The collection of prose, poetry and myth began Thursday in the McComas Hall Lab Theatre. There will also be performances tonight and Saturday beginning at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 for general admission, and seating is limited. For more information, or to reserve tickets, contact Jo Durst at 325-3203 or [email protected].