USD Theatre Reclaims History with Men on Boats
Adventure, history and comedy blend together in this unique play to reimagine the first excursions of the Wild West. Ann-Houston Campbell, a second-year M.F.A. directing student at USD, directs this inspiring piece.
“Men on Boats is an epic, empowering tale of adventure. It’s funny, it’s engaging, and it keeps you on the edge of your seat as the voyagers journey through the canyon," said Campbell. "The show asks the question, ‘What stories from history are we missing?’ as it wrestles with the identity attached to the concept of genuine heroism.”
Campbell, the cast and the team of designers and technicians have been working since October to create the unique world of this play. Lighting, set, projections, costumes, a few simple hand props and the creativity of 10 female actors will transform the Knutson Theatre into the Colorado River, the Grand Canyon, whitewater rapids, cliffs and rocky shores.
Although audiences may not be familiar with the play’s title, or even its historical source material, the play is sure to delight and empower. Campbell encourages audiences to come experience the raucous and over-the-top production of "Men on Boats."
“Audiences are in for a wild adventure with this side-splitting telling of this true(ish) American history lesson,” Campbell said.
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"Men on Boats" performs Feb. 20 – 22 at 7:30 p.m. with a matinee performance on Feb. 23 at 2 p.m. in the Wayne S. Knutson on the USD Campus. Tickets ($15 Adults, $12 Senior Citizen [62+], $10 K-12 & non-USD students with ID, and free for USD students with ID) can be purchased in the afternoons (12 – 5 p.m.) starting Feb. 17 at the USD Theatre Box Office or by calling 605-658-3484; tickets can also be purchased now online at www.usd.edu/theatre.
