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'Cynics' probes college student's depression

North Central College's Student Director Series features the original play "Cynics," by senior Emma Smith, next weekend in the Madden Theatre at the Fine Arts Center, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville.

Performances are scheduled at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Oct. 30-Nov. 1. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for students and seniors and are available by calling the box office at (630) 637-SHOW or visiting northcentralcollege.edu/showtix.

The play features strong language and dark subject matter.

Smith, of Downers Grove, is a theater major with a minor in writing and has performed in multiple North Central productions, including "Sirens" in 2013 and "The Importance of Being Earnest" earlier this year.

In writing "Cynics," her first original play, Smith looked to link her direction of the play and its story to her senior College Scholar Honors thesis, which explores representations of depression in theater.

"Depression is a topic that's often misunderstood," Smith said, "and my cast and I are working to provide a realistic image of it."

Through the use of scenic design and lighting, "Cynics" intends to create a visual representation of depression and approach the topic in different ways, including how it's perceived by society.

In the play, a 19-year-old college student's depression sends her home to live with her mother - an arrangement only complicated by a visit from a long-absent aunt and skeptical sister feeling overlooked.

"Although the subject matter is somewhat dark, there is humor in the show," Smith said. "I would label it a comedy/drama. There is humor in any situation, and we're trying to capture that."

In North Central's Student Director Series, members of the college's theater faculty invite students to submit a proposal to direct their own theatrical productions and only the best are chosen. Smith's is one of three selected for the year.

If you go

What: "Cynics," a student-written production at North Central College

When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Oct. 30-Nov. 1

Where: Madden Theatre, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville

Tickets: $5 for adults, $3 for students

Info: (630) 637-SHOW or northcentralcollege.edu/showtix

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