The UCCS Theatre Company is putting on a production that asks its audience what it means to treat people “decently.”
Performances of “Indecent” by Paula Vogel will take place in the Dusty Loo Bon Vivant Theater from March 16-18, March 23-25 at 7:30 p.m. and on March 19 and 26 at 4 p.m.
According to Max Shulman, who is the director of “Indecent,” the play tells the true story of a writer named Sholem Asch and his wife.
Asch wrote a play called “The God of Vengeance” in 1906, which features a romantic relationship between two women. Asch and his wife brought “The God of Vengeance” to stages all over the world until the cast was arrested for indecency during their first performance on Broadway.
The Ent Center’s event page for “Indecent” describes the play as “shockingly relevant.” Shulman noted that the show takes place in the early 1900s but will discuss topics like homophobia and antisemitism that are still prominent today.
The cast and crew put this production together over the course of two semesters. Those who attend a performance can expect projected slides, a live band on the stage, dance numbers and singing in various languages.
Shulman said that understanding the history surrounding this show took one semester on its own. The cast and crew received help from “dramaturgs,” who researched the show’s history and gave them the information they needed.
The diverse group of cast members had to learn other languages as well as the histories of the real people portrayed in the show so they could best tell their stories.
Despite its historical nature and discussion of serious topics, Shulman thinks this is a show worth watching for its comedic and entertaining aspects.
“I think if people come see it, it is going to leave a significant impact on them. It’s going to be one of those plays that they don’t forget,” Shulman said.
Those interested in learning more about Vogel can attend the prologue on March 19 in the Dusty Loo Bon Vivant Theater. This event is free and but requires registration through its event page.
General admission tickets for the show are $17. Students can attend the show for free by contacting the box office via email at [email protected] or by calling 719-255-8181. They must present their student ID number to get a complimentary ticket.
Photo from communique.uccs.edu.