Director: Jenna Sulecki^
Stage Manager: Lilly Grey Rudge
Costume Design: Sue Bonde
Scenic Design: Larry Larsen
Lighting Design: Maddie Southard*
Prop Design: Aria Hroma
Sound Design: Eric Lyness
Intimacy Director: Andy Christensen
Assistant Intimacy Director: Hannah Harrison
Fight Director: Kristin Mun
^In partial fulfillment of the Graduate Thesis for the MFA in Directing
*In partial fulfillment of the Senior Capstone for the BA in Theater
Agatha - Olivia Sloss
Huldey - Hannah Harrison*
Emilie - Shae McCarty
Marjory – Alexa Bayliff
The Mastiff - Drew Jones
A Moor-Hen - Hannah Kelly
*In partial fulfillment of the Senior Capstone for the BA in Theater
Emilie, Huldey, Moor-Hen - Siena Henson
Agatha and Marjorie - Savanah Baird
The Mastiff - Joe Koppy
Assistant Stage Manager: Aidan Brown
Master Electrician: Savanah Baird
Electricians: Taylor Andreas, Bennett Buchholz, Ivy Chacon, Ricardo Guevara, Hannah Harrison, Lilly Grey Rudge, Trini Sepulveda, Olivia Sloss, Mia Tierney
Light Board Operator: Bennett Buchholz
Sound Board Operator: Joe Kloppy
Understudy Sound Board Operator: Savanah Baird
Dresser: Katja La Flamme
Producer: Andy Christensen
Scene Shop Supervisor: Eric Lyness
Costume Shop Supervisor: Sue Bonde
Props Supervisor: Aria Hroma
Cutter/Draper: Sue Bonde
Costume Construction: Alexa Bayliff, Alaina Cruson, Mollie Goldberg, Katja La Flamme, Lilly Grey Rudge, Lexi Rudolph, Isaiah Saluta
Costume Construction Volunteer: Suzanne Beam
Scene Shop Technicians and Electricians: Sean Hovland, Julia Moran, Maddie Southard, Joe Stefanich, Audrey Stineman
Marketing Director: Lezlie Cross
Marketing Assistant: Hannah Harrison
Box Office/Ushers: Rosabelle Barrozo, Belle Hansen, Isabelle Long, Zuleyma Zambrano Zamorano
This production contains:
I discovered The Moors during my first semester of graduate school. At the time, the world of the play seemed like a huge mystery to me. What were these magical moors and who were these peculiar women who tried to traverse them? How could a Mastiff forge a relationship with a Moor-Hen? But the play stuck with me—I revisited it over and over. Now as I present it as my master’s thesis production, I can’t help but feel like my time in graduate school has been colored by the way this play has revealed itself to me. The more I grew as an artist—and more importantly, as a person—the more I saw myself in each of these women. Each in different stages of self-discovery, these characters are fighting to break out of the boxes they were placed in at birth as women and be seen for who they really are–something I can definitely relate to.
When I began to research and prepare to direct The Moors, I knew I wanted to conceptualize the piece in such a way that all women would be able to see bits and pieces of themselves reflected in these vibrant characters. I wanted to find a way to analyze the characters, setting, and major moments that would embrace the timefulness of the play—something that would speak to the part of it that was rooted in the nineteenth century as well as the urgent present-tense message it carries. For me, the solution was an archetypal analysis because archetypes are universal and eternal. The archetypes observed during the Victorian era in history and literature are the same ones present in our world today, and connecting the past to the present was important to me when directing this play.
The plot and characters of The Moors are deeply rooted in Victorian constructs. It analyzes the boxes and roles women of the nineteenth century were forced to fill or play as a result of the way men wrote them into literature. It also observes that women today are still expected to play these roles and meet certain expectations associated with the female gender construct. There is no separating the past from the present, the characters from women today, and their actions from behavioral patterns as old as time itself. If there are expectations being placed on the women of the play—and women today—they originated with time itself, making them archetypal. The fact that women are still forced to squeeze into boxes that they have long outgrown is a huge problem—one that The Moors addresses by allowing its characters to boldly break these molds.
It is a rare and remarkable thing to be seen for who you truly are by someone else. My hope is that if you are a woman watching this play, you leave feeling empowered and knowing that you can do anything you put your mind to. I see you and the power you hold. This production is for you. A special dedication goes out to the women who have inspired and empowered me along my journey: my endlessly compassionate mother, Debbie; my sister Leah, who is wise beyond her years and braver than she knows; my soul sister Cheyenne, whose artistry and creativity knows no bounds; and my advisor and mentor Dr. Lezlie Cross, without whom I would not be half the artist I am today. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
“The Moors” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com
Off-Broadway premiere produced by The Playwrights Realm (Katherine Kovner, Artistic Director; Roberta Pereira, Producing Director) in January 2017
World Premiere produced by Yale Repertory Theatre, New Haven, Connecticut James Bundy, Artistic Director Victoria Nolan, Managing Director
Alexa Bayliff - she/they (Marjorie) is a junior Theatre major from Alhambra, CA. Alexa is so excited to be a part of another show at UP! You may recognize her from her previous roles such as Ginny from 5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche, Enrique from The Public, and Sequoia from You Cannot Undo This Action. She wants to send some love to Jenna, Sue, Lilly Grey, and her cast mates for this wonderful experience.
Hannah Harrison - she/her (Huldey) is a senior Communication and Theatre Major from Torrance, CA. Hannah is thrilled to be back on the UP stage! You may have previously seen her in Silent Sky, Pippin, The Penelopiad, Where is Home, Clue, and You Cannot Undo This Action. Coming up next, you can watch Hannah as Jenny in Company. She would like to thank everyone in the audience for coming to support in-person theatre, and if it was COVID safe, she would give you all a big group hug. Hannah would also like to thank the whole team for their hard work and perseverance in this weird time, Jenna for three years of guidance on and off stage, and her friends and family for their encouragement. She gives a special shout-out to her dad for driving 1,000 miles to watch her on stage and to her mom for passing along her dramatic flair.
Siena Henson - she/her (Understudy for Emilie, Huldey, and Moor Hen) Siena is very excited to hopefully not be seen at all during this performance of The Moors. Her recent and only roles include a spontaneous acceptance of Celia in House of Desires, through which she met an amazing and exceptionally talented group of theatre peoples. Siena would like to thank Dr. Lezlie Cross for lovingly nudging her into another show, the ever patient family and friends who wonder where she is at night, and the INCREDIBLE cast and crew. St. Genesius willing, may the show go on without her!
Aria Hroma - she/her (Props Manager) is a freshman Secondary Education and English major from Boise, Idaho. This is Aria’s second show at UP and first one officially as props manager. She was recently seen as the understudy for Doña Leonor in House of Desires. She has experience in props from high school as a state champion props designer in 2020 as well as working with Home Grown Theatre in Boise.
Drew Jones - he/him (Mastiff) is a junior Organizational Communication and Psychology major from Spokane, WA. As the UP Student Body Vice President, Drew has been very involved on campus, though he truly is an aspiring actor who has always wanted to be a star in the spotlight. This is his first role for UP theater, though he has been a part of other works in the past, including an upcoming short film shot here in Portland! His acting role models are Jack Nicholson, Adam Driver, and Amy Adams.
Hannah Kelly - she/her (Moor-Hen) is a junior Theatre major from Tacoma, WA. Hannah is extremely grateful to be in this production of The Moors. She has waited since the end of her freshman year to be directed by Jenna Sulecki after her role as Dale in Five Lesbians Eating a Quiche. This will be her first role of her junior year, but has acted every semester of her college career up until last semester, where she did lighting design for You Cannot Undo This Action and sound design for House of Desires.
Shae McCarty - she/they (Emilie) is a senior Music major from Corvallis, OR. Shae is delighted to be a part of The Moors! They started doing theatre in high school and have continued performing into college, and have been in several university productions including Pippin (Ensemble), The Penelopiad (Naiad Mother/Ensemble), and You Cannot Undo This Action (Michelle). She recently earned her first professional credit as Isannah Barber in The Misadventures of Missy Black: A Pirate Play by UP alumni Riley Anna, which premiered this year as part of the 2022 Fertile Ground Festival. This spring, she will also be performing in University of Portland’s production of Company as Amy. Shae is looking forward to this summer, where they will be attending Music in the Marche, an opera study program in Mondavio, Italy. In her free time, Shae enjoys hiking, embroidery, baking, and playing Dungeons & Dragons!
Olivia Sloss - she/her(Agatha) is a junior Theater and Psychology major from Carmicheal, CA. Olivia is elated to have the opportunity to share this beautiful and twisty show with all of you! She has previously appeared on the UP stage (and screen) in The Penelopiad, The Dragon, Interlude, The Public, Clue, and House of Desires. She has also directed two events for The Theatre Club on Campus: The Guest: A New Zoom Play, and “Climate Change Theatre Action.” Olivia would like to thank everyone who worked so hard to make this show possible, Jenna and Lilly Grey for their leadership through the world of theatre under COVID regulations, and her wonderful friends and roommates for letting her talk to them endlessly about how much she loves this show and all of the people in it! She hopes you enjoy the performance!
Lilly Grey Rudge - she/her (Stage Manager) is a sophomore English and Theatre major from Seattle, WA. Lilly Grey is ecstatic to be taking on the role of Stage Management for this zany, feminist, queer, satirical, Brontë-inspired iteration of Jen Silverman's The Moors. An aspiring playwright, dramaturg and director, her past positions include being the first Production Dramaturg for You Cannot Undo This Action (Winner of the Oregon Book Award for Drama) and a student writer for The 5th Avenue Theatre's 2020 Season. Lilly Grey also works in the University's Costume Shop, is Co-President of the UP Comedy Writing Club and a member of the International English Honor Society. She would like to thank the amazing Jenna Sulecki for surviving until opening night, Andy Christensen for always sounding like a motivational TED-Talk host, Lezlie Cross for keeping us all sane, Sue Bonde for not firing her yet, the Cast and Crew for welcoming her into this incredible world and her parents for always supporting her and driving to Portland to watch her call cues for an hour and a half (unless they didn't come, then all thanks are rescinded). Enjoy the Show!
Jen Silverman is a New York-based writer and playwright. Selected plays include: Collective Rage: A Play In 5 Betties (Woolly Mammoth, Southwark Playhouse in London, MCC Theater); Witch (Writer’s Theatre, The Geffen, The Huntington); The Roommate (Humana Festival, Williamstown Theatre Festival, Steppenwolf, South Coast Rep, Long Wharf, etc); and The Moors (Yale Rep, the Seymour Center in Sydney, The Playwrights Realm). Jen is a member of New Dramatists, a three-time MacDowell fellow, and an affiliated artist with Space on Ryder Farm and The Playwrights Center. Jen has received the Yale Drama Series Award, the Helen Merrill Award, the Lilly Award, as well as grants and fellowships from The New York Foundation for the Arts, The Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, and Playwrights of New York.
Madelyn Southard - she/her (Lighting Designer) is a senior Theatre and History Major from West Sacramento, CA. Maddie is grateful to work on this show as her last lighting design project here at UP. Her previous design work includes House of Desires as well as an assistant design position with Shaking the Tree on the project Refuge. She would like to thank her friends and family for their support as well as everyone who came to light hang and focus. Enjoy the Show!
Jenna Sulecki - she/they (Director) is a MFA Directing candidate from Erie, Pennsylvania. Jenna is proud to present her thesis production, The Moors, after years of dreaming and scheming it into existence. They are grateful to the amazing cast and creative team for helping bring this play to life and for their support as she finishes her degree. Jenna previously directed 5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche for the University of Portland. Other favorite productions include Titus Andronicus, SHREWD: The Taming of the Shrew Project, Heathers: The Musical, and her devised anti-fairytale, Break the Spell. Learn more about Jenna and their work at jennasulecki.com.
Susan Bonde, Costume Shop Manager
Sue Bonde is the costume shop manager for the University of Portland. She worked in Chicago as a freelance costume designer and technician for the Goodman Theater and Light Opera Works prior to moving to Portland. She has designed for A.R.T., New Rose Theatre, and Portland Repertory Theatre, and the Wee Sing children’s videos before joining Michael Curry Design and working on The Lion King on Broadway. Bonde has designed costumes for Portland Opera’s The Return of Ulysses, Albert Herring, La Calisto, Il Ballo delle Ingrate/Il Combattimento di Tancredi e Clorinda/Trouble in Tahiti , Galileo, Postcards from Morocco, L’heure Espanogle / L’enfant et les Sortileges and most recently, La Cenerentola. She is the recipient of two Willamette Week Excellence in Theater Awards and two Portland Drammy Awards. Past designs for UP include Tartuffe and Pippin. Mock’s Crest Opera costume design credits include Iolanthe, Ruddigore, The Pirates of Penzance, Light in the Piazza and Yeoman of the Guard.
Andy Christensen, Visiting Instructor, Directing and Acting
Andy Christensen is a fiercely curious artist-educator who specializes in emergent forms of immersive and site-informed theatre that explore the intersection of place and time. In his practice, he builds egalitarian ensembles that create interdisciplinary, research-driven, and process-shaped performances that put audiences at the center of artistic experiences and contextualize performance within community. After receiving his M.F.A. in theatre directing from the Lir Academy of Trinity College in Dublin and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, Andy returned to the United States to invest in emerging artists in the Pacific Northwest. He is a founder of Cascadia Art Project and a member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society. He has mentored artists in many regional high schools, George Fox University, Pacific University, and most recently at Whitworth University where he was recognized for outstanding integration of vocation in the classroom.
Lezlie C. Cross, PhD, Assistant Professor, Theatre History and Dramaturgy
Dr. Cross’s directing credits at UP include House of Desires, Where is Home: a Digital Living Newspaper, and As You Like It. At UP, she teaches courses in theatre history, dramaturgy, and playwriting. She is also a professional dramaturg who has worked at regional theatres across America including the Utah Shakespeare Festival, Nevada Conservatory Theatre, Cincinnati Shakespeare, Classic Stage Company, Actor’s Theatre of Louisville, and Oregon Shakespeare Festival where she was the literary assistant for five years. She received her Ph.D. from the University of Washington, her M.A. from the Shakespeare Institute, University of Birmingham, and her B.A. from Whitman College. See more at lezliecross.com
Larry Larsen, M.F.A., Professor, Academic Associate Dean, College of Arts and Sciences
Professor Larsen has been involved in theater since the fifth grade when he played Schroder in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown and has had a life long association with the theater ever since that time. He is in his 28th year at the University, and besides teaching the scenic and lighting design coursework for the Theater Program, he is an Academic Associate Dean for the College of Arts and Sciences. His most recent design work at UP, which includes over a hundred productions, includes The Dragon, Dr. Faustus, Eurydice, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Mad Forest. Larry has worked as a professional designer in Portland for the last 32 years and his most recent work includes Nunsense and Company at Broadway Rose Theatre, Haddon Hall Revels for Portland Revels where he is the resident set designer, All My Sons and This Random World for Portland Actors Conservatory, and Mr. Kolpert for Third Rail Repertory Theater. Other theaters designed for include Artists Repertory Theatre, Oregon Children’s Theatre, Northwest Children’s Theater, Portland Repertory Theatre, Tygres Heart Shakespeare Co., Portland Civic Theatre and Summer Repertory Theatre in Santa Rosa. Prior to his employment at the University, Larry worked as the Design Associate for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, both in Ashland and Portland. He has his MFA in Theatre Design from the University of Washington.
Mindi is beginning her 22nd year teaching for the University of Portland. Her artistic work at the University includes acting and dialect coaching for productions. Mindi received her MFA from the Professional Actors Training Program at Rutgers University and then worked professionally as an actor in New York and Los Angeles, appearing off-Broadway, in soap operas, sitcoms, and film. Continuing her professional acting career, Mindi has appeared locally with Artists Repertory Theatre, Theater Vertigo, Willamette Shakespeare, Quintessence Theater, Stark Raving Theatre, in commercials, industrials, and voiceovers. Mindi was awarded the Kennedy Center Gold Medallion for her service as the Regional Chair of the Kennedy Center/American College Theatre Festival. Mindi’s husband Hal is a professional musician and composer who also works locally and teaches at the University of Portland.
Eric Lyness, Scene Shop Manager
Eric Lyness (class of '12) has had the pleasure of working here at his alma mater since 2015. Favorite UP credits include crafting sound designs for Good Kids and A Midsummer Night's Dream, and scenic designs for 1959 Pink Thunderbird. He has worked as a director, designer, and technician at various theatres across Portland including Third Rail Repertory, Portland Opera, Northwest Theatre Workshop, and Artists Rep.
The University of Portland Theater acknowledges that our space rests on the traditional village sites of the Multnomah, Wasco, Cowlitz, Kathlamet, Clackamas, Bands of Chinook, Tualatin Kalapuya, Molalla and many other Tribes who made their homes along the Columbia (Wimahl) and Willamette (Whilamut) rivers. The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians and the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde currently represent many of these tribes.
We give thanks to them; that we are here on their unceded lands and commit to treating their space as a living breathing entity that needs care and stewardship. We give thanks to this land as we continue to speak up for justice, a place in history, and a place in a future that demands to be better.
University of Portland
5000 N. Willamette Blvd.,
Portland, Oregon 97203-5798
503.943.8000
