Seniors direct their way onto Loyola’s stage

Akeem+Biggs%2C+a+languages+and+cultures+senior%2C+left%2C+Evan+Daigle%2C+a+mass+communication+senior%2C+middle%2C+and+Marisa+Nieto%2C+a+theater+junior%2C+right%2C+rehearse+for+the+senior+one-act+show%2C+Action+by+Sam+Shepard.+Theater+senior+Natalie+Cystain+chose+Action+as+part+of+her+senior+capstone.+Photo+credit%3A+Zach+Brien

Akeem Biggs, a languages and cultures senior, left, Evan Daigle, a mass communication senior, middle, and Marisa Nieto, a theater junior, right, rehearse for the senior one-act show, Action by Sam Shepard. Theater senior Natalie Cystain chose Action as part of her senior capstone. Photo credit: Zach Brien

Nicholas Morea

After spending four years on and off the stage, theatre seniors Emily Gyan and Natalie Csintyan will take on the challenge of directing for the first time with their senior directed one-act plays.

Csintyan said she chose “Action” as her one-act because of societies obsession with the question of “what if”?

“‘Action’ shows us the outcome of what might happen if we didn’t have a smart phone to check every five seconds or a watch to keep us on schedule,” Csintyan said. “At its core, it’s about four people who attempt to go through the motions of everyday life with unusual and abnormal circumstances.”

According to Csintyan, she sees this show as an artistic expression of her years at Loyola.

“This show is the culmination of my four years at Loyola and I’m so excited to be doing a piece that allows me to take risks and challenge myself as an artist,” Csintyan said.

Gyan took a different approach when choosing to direct “Drag” for her one-act.

“I was confused and intrigued by ‘Drag’ when I first heard the script, but that confusion subsided after a while and turned into love for the script, Gyan said. “This show is comedic, dark, and sarcastic, which makes for a really complex and enjoyable show.”

Similar to Csintyan, Gyan sees this as the final scene in her Loyola experience.

“Presenting this show at the end of the semester is my final hoorah as a senior. I’m hoping to entertain and challenge audiences with this absurdist piece” Gyan said.

Both shows will take place Dec. 3 and 4 at 7 p.m. in the Lower Depths Theater.