GovState Presents a Heart-pounding Homage to the Geek Within Us All

Governors State University (GovState)'s Theatre and Performance Studies (TAPS) program is excited to announce its upcoming production of She Kills Monsters. The highly anticipated play is set to be performed in Sherman Hall at Governors State University, showcasing the incredible talent and creativity of the university's theatre department. Tickets are available at www.centertickets.net.

She Kills Monsters is a critically acclaimed play written by renowned playwright Qui Nguyen. Known for its fusion of fantasy, comedy, and heartfelt storytelling, this production promises to captivate audiences and transport them into a world filled with adventure and imagination. The story revolves around Agnes Evans, a young woman mourning the death of her teenage sister, Tilly. To understand Tilly better, Agnes discovers her sister's Dungeons & Dragons game notebook and embarks on an adventure that transcends the boundaries of reality.

Kate Roberts, who is portraying Tilly in this production, describes She Kills Monsters as a story that “deals with themes of grief and growing up as a gay teen in the ‘90s.” Kate goes on to describe Tilly as unapologetic and nerdy who uses D&D to express parts of herself that she doesn’t feel comfortable expressing in the real world.

Under the direction of Kelleen Moriarty, the talented cast and crew of She Kills Monsters have dedicated their time, energy, and talent to bring this extraordinary production to life. Moriarty reflects on the play’s overarching themes, “As Tilly reminds us, life is just ‘a collection of stories.’ Through these stories - creating and consuming them - we have the opportunity and the responsibility to pay attention. Telling stories about other worlds allows us to live more fully inside our own, with all of our grief and all of our hope.”

The performances will feature the immense talent of Governors State University's Theatre and Performance Studies program students, alumni, and community members, showcasing their skill, passion, and commitment to the craft.

TAPS alumni Tess Caldwell has been making a lot of discoveries during the rehearsal process as they dive into harnessing Agnes’ experiences and struggles. “Many scenes explored the difference between what Agnes knew of her sister and what she learned through the game. As we tackled these, we explored how a persons’ willingness to immerse themselves in a new experience can change how they process information. Agnes’ journey has taught me to be more open to people and experiences.”

The Cast of She Kills Monsters

Agnes - Tess Caldwell

Tilly - Kate Roberts

Lily - Jamese Kane

Kaliope - Miriam Lung

Chuck - Joshua Tisdale

Miles - Marquis Parks

Steve - Ian Buckner

Farrah the Faerie/Evil Tina - Kaylee Williams

Vera/Evil Gabbi - Safia Hattab

Orcus - Dakota Keel

Know Before You Go

The performances of She Kills Monsters will take place at Sherman Hall, located within Governors State University's campus.

Tickets and Information

She Kills Monsters runs:

Thursday, November 2 at 7:30 p.m.

Friday, November 3 at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, November 4 at 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, November 5 at 2:30 p.m.

Tickets are $15 ($10 for students) and can be purchased at www.CenterTickets.net, at the Box Office, or by phone at 708.235.2222. Student discounts cannot be applied online.

Box Office: 1 University Parkway, University Park, IL

Hours: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursdays, and two hours prior to all performances.

About GovState’s Theatre and Performance Studies

Performance is not limited to theatrical production—the act is central to human nature as we move and function in the world. When you pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre and Performance Studies from Governors State, you will learn to bridge theory with practice and the verbal with the visual. Whether in theatrical presentations proper or in everyday acts of living—you will be equipped as a transformative agent of social, cultural, political, and personal change. Choose from specializations in Theory and Practice, Technical Production, and History and Dramaturgy to focus your studies on your intended career path.

To stay informed of TAPS audition announcements, upcoming productions, course information, and campus and community happenings, like their Facebook page (www.facebook.com/TAPSGSU) and follow on Instagram (www.instagram.com/TAPSGSU).