This semester, the Department of Theatre Arts at Iowa put on a production of How to Defend Yourself. A play focused on a class created after a student was assaulted on campus.

I went in knowing little to no context, only that my friend was in it, where it was, and the stage. The stage itself was gorgeous and looked like a workout room. I was honestly shocked at the level of detail. For example, there’s a storage closet in the back, and I never thought they’d open it. However, when they did, it was a fully stocked storage closet! I mean the classic mats, dodgeballs, storage, etc. I was in shock and looked at my friend like, “Are you seeing this?!”

But to the actual play: wow. All the actors were phenomenal and brilliant. They were so real, and their characters were so beautifully delivered, and every action was just gorgeous and captivating to watch. Serious props to all of them. Every single one of them was amazing and took the character and made it theirs. The writing itself was amazing, and the story of the play was breathtaking and oh so very real. I felt seen and heard, and even though it wasn’t the most comforting story or ending, it still felt good knowing a play was created with experience and knowledge of the topic at hand. Some of the witty comments, serious monologues, etc., were gorgeous, captivating, and funny. I went through all different types of emotions and was having the time of my life. The seats themselves were amazing, and it was super accessible.

I really enjoyed all of it, and can’t wait for the next mainstage! If you ever want a local entertainment idea, I highly recommend the theatre department.