To kick off the second half of the 2024/2025 theatre season, an Arkansas State University original play pulls into the station. “Imagination Unleashed: Stuck on the Train to Nowhere” premieres in the Simpson Theatre this week. 

This is the second to last show of the school year, with this “devised play” bringing audiences back to the theatre before Roger and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” arrives at the end of April on the Drama Theatre stage. 

Devised theatre is a collaborative process of creating a performance without a pre-existing script. This means the script, costumes, lighting, sound and set design were nonexistent until the students of the devised theatre class started work on it. 

The devised theatre class took place during the Fall of 2024 and was led by DayDay Robinson, assistant professor of theatre. 

“We didn’t start with a script, we started with what we call a hunch,” Robinson said. “Our hunch in class was this idea of being stuck and how to get unstuck, whether its relationships, grief, loss or identity.” 

The theatre page describes the class’ goal as a student collaboration, creating a piece of theatre that is inspired by personal experiences and societal themes. Additionally, the class explores various elements of theatre, refining their ideas and creating a cohesive narrative.

The cast were intimately involved in the creation of both the characters and the story. 

Donovan Walters, who is playing the role of Jordan, said that this hands-on aspect of the production was incredible. 

“It feels like I’ve added to a piece of this and that feels amazing,” Walters said. 

The finished product was named “Stuck on the Train to Nowhere” and asks both the audience and characters a specific set of questions.

The promotion caption for the show describes the plot as a surreal psychological drama, infusing comedy with magical realism. The production includes plenty of plaguing questions regarding a person’s ability to move forward and reflect on their past, particularly on the events which hold us back from progress.

The play takes place on a mysterious train that never stops with a group of passengers who find themselves stuck and unable to leave. They can’t remember how they got there or where they’re going. The passengers are pulled into memories of their pasts and forced to confront their decisions by the mysterious train conductor.

Jace Hahn, playing the role of the conductor, said the role of the conductor is an intriguing part to play. 

“I’m like their guide,” Hahn said. “They’re all stuck, both literally and metaphorically and I’m trying to help them conquer whatever it is that’s keeping them stuck.” 

The conductor will guide the characters through their memories, allowing them to learn more about the others characters on board as well as themselves. 

Judith Bossi, the production’s costume designer said that this particular play was fun but challenging. 

“To understand the characters and how they would defined themselves through clothing has been hard because some of these characters haven’t been around for very long, so it was a lot of me just figuring it out for the first time ever,” Bossi said. 

Deanne Flax, portraying the role of Martha, said this production was unique and entirely original to be apart of. 

“I was able to see the characters grow from the ground up instead of some pre-established thing to go out and research,” Flax said. “I was able to ‘research’ and write for the character at the same time.” 

Content warnings for the show include some mature themes like strong language, depictions of emotional and physical abuse, references to substance abuse, grief and loss.

Opening night is on Valentine’s Day and the last show closes on Feb. 23. Friday and Saturday’s performances begin at 7:30 p.m., while Sunday’s performances are matinees and begin at 2:30 p.m.

Arkansas State students are able to get in for free by showing their student ID upon arrival or by going to the box office at First National Bank arena from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on weekdays.  

Elijah Templeton | Life Editor contributed to this report.  

Categories: Arts & Entertainment