It’s been an exciting time for Governors State University’s Theater and Performance Studies program.
After assistant professor Patrick Santoro was hired in fall 2012, a TAPS minor was started in fall 2013. A major launched last fall, and the spring semester closes with the dark comedy “Kimberly Akimbo” on April 24 and 25 at Sherman Recital Hall in University Park..
“We’re the only university in the state at the public university level that bridges theater and performance studies, which we hope will be a really innovative, exciting program especially for those in the Southland who have this university in their own backyard,” said Santoro, of Chicago.
“Part of the mission of the program is to look at how performance can get us to talk about important political and social issues.”
Pulitzer Prize winner David Lindsay-Abaire wrote “Kimberly Akimbo” about a 16-year-old with a rapid-aging disorder similar to progeria.
“(It’s) the story of dealing with her disease and also the rarely sober father; the hypochondriac, pregnant mother and the ex-convict aunt as well as dealing with the possibility of falling in love with a boy who actually looks 16,” said Santoro, TAPS program coordinator.
“It’s interestingly complex and incredibly funny but also has some resonance in terms of issues we might face in life when we’re perceived as different.”
The cast consists of GSU staffers Lynne Clayton and Jane Cox and students Lurenzo Carr, Bradford E. Simmons and TAPS major Nekia Driver.
We have the ability to blend students with staff and community members so you’re really bringing in three different kinds of performances at various stages of their careers,” Santoro said.
“It’s a great learning tool because you have veterans with novices,” he said. “A lot can be taught and learned in that kind of environment.”
Backstage includes TAPS minor Marshelle R. Sanders as stage manager, TAPS major ShaQueen Lee as assistant stage manager and TAPS major Lois Nemeth in the running crew.
“This piece allows students to challenge themselves in ways they haven’t been challenged yet this performance season,” Santoro said.
“It really gives diversity not only to our students and staff who are performers in the show but also the audience. We want audience members to see traditional pieces but also see more obscure works that are still relevant.”
On April 18, a private “Kimberly Akimbo” performance closes GSU’s Gender Matters Conference, an international event highlighting gender, women and sexuality research.
“It’s a very disorienting show. Not only is Kimberly Akimbo played by a woman in her 60s or 70s who is clearly older-looking, but we’ve created a set, music, sound and visuals that are also disorienting,” Santoro said.
“It’s really provocative and interesting to watch. You can call it a feast for the senses.”
Jessi Virtusio is a freelance writer for the Daily Southtown.
“Kimberly Akimbo”
When: 8 p.m. April 24 and 25
Where: Governors State University’s Sherman Recital Hall, 1 University Parkway, University Park
Tickets: $15, or $10 for students with valid identification
Information: 708-235-2222 or centertickets.net
Etc.: Presented by GSU Theater and Performance Studies; contains mature themes and language
