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Friday, March 29, 2024
The Observer

ND Theatre NOW Presents 'Wildflower'

wildflower color web
Susan Zhu | The Observer
Susan Zhu | The Observer


“A summer wind spreads the seeds of curiosity and fans the dangerous flame of desire,” reads the event description for “Wildflower,” a play by Lila Rose Kaplan.

Presented by the department of film, television and theatre, the play premieres Thursday night in the Philbin Studio Theatre at the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center (DPAC). The play is sponsored by ND Theatre NOW, an annual event featuring an entirely student-driven production. Previous ND Theatre NOW events have featured original plays written by Notre Dame students.

“Wildflower” is directed by senior film, television and theatre major Anthony Murphy. In past years, he has directed and emceed in FTT productions as well as appearing in the Notre Dame Shakespeare Festival. The ND Theatre NOW event has been a particular source of pride and enjoyment for Murphy.

“I’m proud to be a veteran of this unique process,” said Murphy in a College of Arts and Letters press release, “and I’m thrilled to be working on Lila Rose Kaplan’s beautiful script, which centers on five misfits trying to find their place in the world. As a bit of a misfit myself, I’m so grateful to have found an artistic home in FTT through ND Theatre NOW.”

According to the press release, “‘Wildflower’ asks: When does something beautiful become dangerous? What are the consequences of desire?” The play offers an answer in the form of a coming-of-age story.

The play focuses on five characters — a troubled woman searching for a new life, her awkward, botany-loving son, a teenage girl determined to lose her virginity before leaving for college, a forest ranger and an ex-drag queen — whose lives collide in a single eventful summer. Themes of loss, nature and desire intersect in what promises to be a poignant and thought-provoking production.

It’s not just FTT majors that you’ll see bringing characters to life — students of all majors from Notre Dame, Saint Mary’s and Holy Cross were invited to audition for plays during the FTT’s mainstage season.

Where does the play’s name come from? The setting of the play — Crested Butte, Colorado — is home to the Wildflower Festival. The location is written as a typical small countryside town, so Notre Dame students will doubtless identify with the place.

Whether you’re there to support a friend, the FTT program or because you want to take in a genuine work of entirely student-produced art, you’re guaranteed to see a fascinating show.

“Wildflower” will run from Oct. 1 to Oct. 11. Tickets are available on DPAC's website and cost $7 for students and $15 for general admission.