Clinton's Caitlin McDonough Directs Play

The most advanced directing students in the Theatre Department at Eastern Connecticut State University presented "Power Plays," a series of student-directed one-act plays, this spring semester. "Power Plays" was the culminating showcase for these graduating seniors.

Caitlin McDonough '16 of Clinton, who majors in theatre, directed "Out of Our Father's House" by Eve Merriam.

"Out of Our Father's House" by Eve Merriam provides an insightful look at the lives of women in the 19th to mid-20th centuries in the United States, exploring a variety of feminist issues that are still relevant more than four decades since its premier.

McDonough brought her own interpretation to the show, adding contemporary music to connect the stories to the present day.

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"I was attracted to 'Out of Our Father's House' because of its strong female characters," she said. "As a director, this show gave me the ability to work with the actors who brought life to these powerful stories through their monologues. While this play is minimalistic, it gave me freedom to create something new and was a challenge to take on creatively."

"It was exciting to apply the skills I have acquired as a theatre major over the course of my college career," said McDonough. "I hope the audience was inspired by the story and was able to get a glimpse into my sense of creativity."

"Power Plays" was the culminating project for three senior student directors. The student directors were supported by their classmates, who acted in the plays and assisted in behind the scenes tasks, such as costume work, lighting and scene design. The event was also the first production in the Studio Theater of the new Fine Arts Instructional Center.

Photo: Student Alexis Kurtz as Maria Mitchell in “Out of Our Father’s House,” directed by student Caitlin McDonough