Northwestern State University’s Creative and Performing Arts Department will open the first play of their spring semester today, Thursday. “Eleemosynary,” written by Lee Blessing, is directed by Dr. Vicki Parrish.

The play, written in 1985, is a one act. The characters are Dorothea (Ashley Webster) is an eccentric, elderly woman who is raising her proficient granddaughter, Echo (Sarah Roberts). Artie (Lindsey Page) is a biochemist who has chosen not to raise Echo.

The play begins with Dorothea suffering from a stroke, while Echo attempts to reestablish contact with her mother, Artie. The conversations are short as Echo mainly mentions her involvement in spelling contests.

The play centers on the delicate relationship of the three women as they try to find the courage to build a strong relationship.

Director Vicki Parrish said “I chose the play because it is a good exercise for the actors because it offers a range of acting ages to be portrayed, which poses a challenge.”

Parrish said rehearsals started at the end of January, but auditions were in November. The biggest challenge of rehearsal has been keeping the actors focused, as well as finding rehearsal times that fit the actors’ schedules.

Parrish said, “My role is to help my actors understand the play, find their best talents, and showcase the talents through the character they portray.”

She added that her actors have helped inspire her during rehearsals due to the growth she sees from each actor.

Actress Lindsey Page said, “I have been so fortunate to work with Parrish and the other actors because they have challenged me to open up emotionally and perform my role.” She mentioned that she struggles with connecting to her character but has reassured herself to ‘just let go’. Parrish said the actors have grown since the beginning of rehearsals by taking challenges and exerting confidence. She said, “I expect this play to bring the audience in emotionally and let them experience the actors’ theatrical range.”

The play opens Thursday night at 7:30 p.m. The play will run Feb. 21-24 and Feb. 27-March 2 with 7:30 p.m. times except for the Sunday, Feb. 24 matinee which is scheduled for 2 p.m. NSU, BPCC, and LSMSA students will get in free with their student identification card. Reservations are mandatory due to limited seating. Tickets for general admission range from $12 to $15. Tickets can be purchased by calling (318) 357-4483 or visiting https://www.vendini.com/ticketsoftware.html?t=tix&e=a6cc5a18acf56177d1c262055202ada2