Theatre: ‘Sweet Flag’ opens spring with a story in the western frontier

“Sweet Flag” will open Eastern Connecticut State University’s spring theatre season from March 1–6 in Fine Arts Instructional Center (FAIC) Proscenium Theater. Written and directed by Theatre Professor J.J. Cobb, the show explores the struggles that women faced in the western frontier.

The story follows Prudie Prentiss, the lone midwife for hundreds of miles in the Nebraska Territory. When a wild girl’s unexpected appearance causes friction, the settlers realize that their visions of freedom and self-reliance will be hard won, but at whose expense?

Utilizing primary source documentation research over the past two decades, Cobb employs “site methodology,” the concept that theatre not only adapts to the constraints of a particular site, but can be written to illuminate how that location influences the events that take place. By using lighting, soundscape and scent, Cobb and the rest of the “Sweet Flag” production team will take viewers on an immersive experience within the Nebraskan Territory and frontier. The show will also incorporate music written by famed Haudenosaunee composer Dennis Yerry.

“Sweet Flag” will show in the Proscenium Theatre on March 1, 2, 4 and 5 at 7:30 p.m., March 3 at 5:30 p.m. and March 6 at 4 p.m. Tickets are free for Eastern students upon the completion of a Student Reservation Survey; $5 for other students and groups of 10 or more; $10 for senior citizens; $12 for Eastern faculty, staff, alumni and $20 for the general public. Purchase tickets online at https://easternct.showare.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=44 .

For more information, visit https://www.easternct.edu/theatre/productions/sweet-flag.html or contact the FAIC Box Office at (860) 465-5123 or email theatreboxoffice@easternct.edu .

Written by Molly Boucher

Categories: Arts, Communication, Film and Theatre, Theatre and Performance Media