Thrilling Emotion: Theatre’s Latest Production Selling Out Fast!

With Fall term nearing its end, the Department of English, Theatre, Film & Media debuted their adaptation of Dion Boucicault’s The Shaughraun. The show, in which its name means ‘The Wanderer’, is a melodrama that follows the journey of Irishman Conn (played by Deklan Jocelyn) and his surrounding cast of characters. I had the pleasure of attending the sold-out opening night, along with 89 other attendees.

Opening night began with a brief reception that gave the attendees a chance to mingle before we were ushered into the theatre. The John J. Conklin Theatre is a very intimate space, that served perfectly for the show as it relied heavily on audience participation, and the audience delivered.

Jocelyn, as well as all the other student actors executed their roles masterfully. The sound design and lights (led by Shivam Kheni and Savanna Mwaura) were perfectly curated to fit the theme of the night. It felt like we were actually sitting by the town of Sligo in Western Ireland. The set pieces (led by Xueqing Li), prop designs (led by Sam Fergus) and costumes (co-led by Destiny Klassen and Josie Long) all contributed to the full immersion that we experienced with the story.

At intermission, we were ushered to the lobby for a much-needed chance to stretch our legs. As the show clocks in at over 2 hours, this was a nice break which gave all of us a quick chance to make some predictions for how the remainder of the show would play out.

Without delving into too many details (you need to see it, after all), the show delivers its three-act main story along with several additional side plotlines, from tense drama packed with emotion to witty banter among the actors. There is something for everyone from this production. With the audience’s active participation, cheering, laughing, and booing when necessary, which is sometimes led by the actors breaking the fourth wall and instructing us to join in, it elevated the viewing experience and sent the attendees laughing out the door.

This production marks the final chapter for some of the department’s veteran students, who are graduating this year and ending their time at UM in the coming months. I had the chance to grab a few words from some of them after the show.

“If this is the chapter I end on, I’m grateful it’s with a character who changed me and a play that became home. Captain Molineux will stay with me long after the final curtain, and The Shaughraun will forever be the place where my heart learned just how deeply a story can hold you,” said Dola Akintan (Captain Molineux and head of publicity).

“Being able to play Claire Ffolliot in this production has been a privilege and I have loved the process of being able to develop this character. She has a bit of an edge to her and that is why I love her,” added Bronwyn Moll (Claire Ffolliot and costume crew member).

Don’t miss your opportunity to watch this riveting and emotional performance! Tickets for the show can be purchased online through Eventbrite for only $10.00 (plus Eventbrite fees). 

Come see it for yourself! The show runs Thursday (7pm) [SOLD OUT], Friday (7pm), Saturday (2pm and 7pm) and features a packed 2-hour and 15-minute runtime.

Erik Harju