The Prophet Darla Set To Debut

Next week, the Texas Tech University Department of Theatre and Dance is presenting a dark new comedy about faith, desire and the nature of goodness.

“The Prophet Darla” is about an ordinary woman trying to make ends meet when she receives an unexpected visit from a prominent individual in history who sends her on a path toward powers thought to be extinct. After discovering her gifts, Darla’s  closest friends try to take advantage of them. Throughout her journey, Darla learns about faith, desire, and the nature of goodness in this dark new comedy.

It was written by MFA Playwriting student Jared Strange and directed by Chelsea Prettyman. When asked what challenges arose while presenting a new script, Prettyman said it was hard to have nothing to base ideas on.

“There is no established framework, other than the script itself, for me to build from,” she said. “We are interpreting all of this ourselves and that can be a little challenging.  However, it gives everyone an exciting sense of freedom.”

Prettyman said the cast has been great and it has been wonderful working with Strange. She said she thinks everyone should come out and see the production because it is relatable.

“We have all felt betrayed by the higher power we believe in, or used to believe in,” she said. “We can all relate to her story.  Although the theme sounds heavy, this play is also very fun.”

The play runs Oct. 28 – Nov. 3 in the Laboratory Theatre, located at 2812 18th St. between Boston and Flint Avenues. Curtain times for the 2013 – 2014 Laboratory Theatre season are 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sundays.

Tickets for “The Prophet Darla” are $10 for individuals and $5 for students with a valid student ID. A limited number of free student rush tickets are available on a first-come first-served basis. For more information, call the Maedgen Theatre box office at (806) 742-3603.

About Lauren Estlinbaum

Entertainment Director    —    Journalism major, Class of 2014
Lauren Estlinbaum grew up in Pearland, Texas, south of Houston (go Texans). She is a journalism major with a minor in apparel design. Lauren would like to work for either a fashion or lifestyle publication post-graduation. As she likes to say, she considers fashion magazines survival guides.