April 08, 2021
M.F.A. Director Alison Morooney connects with tragic tale in “Sea Wall”
!["Sea Wall" graphic](https://arts.psu.edu/assets/uploads/news/_860xAUTO_fit_center-center_80_none/Screen-Shot-2021-04-13-at-9.54.17-AM-e1618322867762.png)
I think the reason I was drawn to this play right now is because we all as a globe have been experiencing grief in one way or another,” said Morooney.“Whether we truly lost someone or if we are just experiencing this loss of normal, it’s an exciting challenge to portray the grief that is told in this play with real authenticity and curiosity.” In order to maintain social distancing, only 25 audience members are allowed in the Playhouse—and those seats were sold within 30 minutes. The performance will also be streamed on Penn State Centre Stage Virtual. “This community is starving for theatre,” said Morooney. “We were able to do some really fantastic virtual productions last semester, but it is not the same as being in the room and making a connection with an actor on stage.” In “Sea Wall,” the main and only character, Alex, is speaking directly to the audience. “The audience is his scene partner, which I think is a really triumphant return from not having any live theatre,” said Morooney. “We are able to celebrate the audience’s participation in that way.” Morooney notes she would not be able to direct this production without the help of her design team, including scenic designer Rosalind Isquith, costume designer Alyssa Ridder, lighting designer Faye Ko and sound designer Ben Moore. “Sea Wall” is a one-man, one-act play written by Simon Stephens, and will run from April 9 through April 12 at 7:30 p.m. Story by Jordan Henry
!["Sea Wall" graphic](https://arts.psu.edu/assets/uploads/news/_680xAUTO_fit_center-center_80_none/Screen-Shot-2021-04-13-at-9.54.17-AM-e1618322867762.png)
![Kyle Blumenthal's headshot](https://arts.psu.edu/assets/uploads/news/_680xAUTO_fit_center-center_80_none/Kyle-Blumenthal-Heaedshot-COMPRESSED-scaled.jpg)
Schools and Departments:
School of Theatre
Unit Research:
A&A Sustainability
Degrees:
Bachelor of Arts in Theatre, Acting, B.F.A., Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre, Master of Fine Arts in Theatre
Architecture Clusters:
Sustainability (SUS)