Theater Spotlight of the Week: Rhonda Blair

by Shawn Parikh

When I saw that the SMU Division of Theatre was putting on the political play, Stuff Happens, I knew I wanted to feature the director to get insight into the production.

The play is inspired by Donald Rumsfeld’s response to widespread looting in Baghdad, and whose characters include President Bush, Prime Minister Tony Blair, Condoleeza Rice, Colin Powell and other leading figures. It relies on both published records and speculation to address how and why the Iraq war began. Due to the controversial nature of the show, I got a few minutes out of Professor and Director Rhonda Blair's hectic schedule to chat about the production.

We start off by talking about how she came to SMU and what she thinks about the Dallas theatre scene. We then quickly delve into the show and how it was chosen for the season. I ask her if SMU had tried to stifle the production in any way due to the sensitive topic.

Since the show claims to offer many balanced perspectives, I ask her if there is a certain bias in the play itself or in the way she is directing it. I ask her if the students' views on the war played a part in directing the show. Finally, we end by talking about her goal, and what she ultimately wants people to think walking out of the theatre.

Stuff Happens runs only until Sunday, September 30 and plays in the Margo Jones Theatre. Call 214-768-ARTS for tickets.