Union Commonwealth University (UCU) Theatre will showcase three short plays in the One Act Play Festival set for October 25-27 in Rector Little Theatre: “Hamlette,” by Allison Williams; “The Trojan Women,” adapted by Jon Jory; and “Mercury is Perpetually in Retrograde So Stop Worrying About It,” by Kara Lee Corthron. Cast and crew feature a range of participants from campus and community, including high school students from Knox Central and Barbourville Independent.

“One Act Play Festivals are a great way to allow more people to get involved with a lower commitment,” theatre program director Dr. Jayme Kilburn says. Since she began at Union in January of 2023, Kilburn has been dedicated to offering a range of theatre opportunities open to all.

“I also wanted our musical director John Howard to get the opportunity to direct,” she says. “He’s been a huge asset to the program so any opportunity to get him more involved is great!”

The festival is part of an entire season dedicated to celebrating women protagonists. The season is sponsored by the Barbourville Junior Woman’s Study Club and the Kentucky Foundation for Women. Season sponsorship allows UCU Theatre to keep ticket prices low and offer free community workshops such as the recent musical theatre workshop, the ongoing drop-in improv class, and the Playwriting Masterclass with Erica Dickerson-Despenza coming up on October 19.

“Hamlette,” by Allison Williams
Directed by Jayme Kilburn and Serah Christopher

This twisty, turny adaptation of “Hamlet” is a 25-minute whirlwind! The ghost of the King of Denmark tells his son Hamlet(te) to avenge his murder by killing the new king, Hamlet’s uncle. Hamlet(te) feigns madness, contemplates life and death, and seeks revenge. His uncle, fearing for his life, also devises plots to kill Hamlet(te).

“The Trojan Women,” adapted by Jon Jory
Directed by John Howard, assistant directed by Ruthie Masengale

The Trojan Women follows the fates of Hecuba, Andromache, Cassandra, and the other women of Troy after their city has been destroyed, their husbands killed, and their remaining families about to be taken away to be enslaved. Often considered one of Euripides‘ greatest works, the play’s themes consider the toll of war.      

“Mercury is Perpetually in Retrograde So Stop Worrying About It,” by Kara Lee Corthron
Directed by Jayme Kilburn and Tyce Hall

Polly’s life is great. Her mother just sent her two tickets to Wicked. What could go wrong? Then her boyfriend breaks up with her. And her best friend does too. And her mother changes her phone number. And that’s just the start.

All performances feature all three shows and will be held in Rector Little Theatre, which is accessible through the backdoors of Cowan Chapel on Union’s campus.

Tickets are available on a sliding scale of $5 to $15 at unioncollege.regfox.com/one-act-play-festival

Guests may also purchase tickets at the door on a pay-what-you-can basis.

 All are welcome, but seating is limited, so advanced reservation is recommended.

For more information about UCU Theatre programming, contact Jayme Kilburn at (606) 546-1445 or jkilburn@unionky.edu.