“No Exit” examines the complexities of human behavior

Posted on Friday, January 27, 2023

A man, a woman and another woman in a room for eternity. There is a door. There is a window. But there is “No Exit.”  French playwright Jean-Paul Sartre’s 1944 drama examines three damned souls trapped in... Hell? 

“No Exit” is based upon Sartre’s experience living through the Nazi occupation of France and his philosophy of existentialism. This will be LaGrange College Theatre’s third production of the 2022-2023 season.

“Sartre asserted that we are free to make whatever choices we want,” said Tim Fitz-Gerald, Assistant Professor of Theatre Arts and Director of the show. “However, those choices always come with consequences, and we must be prepared to deal with them.” 

He said this will be the first production in the Black Box Theater since before the COVID pandemic, and it will offer a unique setup for theatregoers.  

“Patrons will be seated on all three sides of the playing area,” Fitz-Gerald said. “It affects the audience’s perspective, as their experience can change based on where they are seated.” 

Senior Dee Hare, who is playing the role of “Cradeau,” said his character is harboring a great secret.  

“The conflict within himself is intensified by these two very different women who force him to face both his fears and his truth,” he said.   

Junior Carlie Jones, who is playing the role of “Inèz,” said her character has a secret of her own.  

“While Inez is more forthcoming than the other two characters, she still has a lot to hide,” she said. She finds satisfaction in manipulating others. Their pain helps to alleviate her own suffering.”  

Perhaps the most appalling secret belongs to the character of “Estelle,” who is played by senior Karson Troth. 

“She’s a woman who uses her feminine charm and sexuality as a way to validate herself,” she said. “She is looking for that validation through Cradeau.” 

Fitz-Gerald said the power constantly shifts between the three characters. “One of the challenges of this script is that it calls for three actors to be on stage for an hour with nowhere to hide and no breaks. It requires immense concentration on their part to stay focused on their character’s needs and to continually fight for what they want.” 

Junior Daniel Miller is the fourth member of the ensemble and will be playing the role of “boy.” This character, who is sometimes referred to as the valet for this cryptic room, helps to introduce the three damned souls, according to Fitz-Gerald. 

“The characters of Cradeau, Inèz and Estelle know only one thing as they enter the space: that they are in Hell. What they do not yet realize is what that means exactly,” he said. The boy is there to answer any questions they might have. Yet the more information he provides, the more confused the others become. The answers finally come with a terrible realization: Hell is other people.”  

The show opens Feb. 9 and runs through Feb. 12. Show times are 7 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. The PG-13 drama is not recommended for children due to mature themes.  

Seating is general admission—no reservations are necessary. It is recommended for attendees to arrive early. The show is free for faculty, staff and students; $5 for adults. 

 

Campus Notes

• A cherished tradition at the college is the Ringing of the Chapel Bell. This opportunity is given to graduating senior students who are celebrating their first full-time, post-graduation job offer or admission to one or more graduate schools. Seniors are asked to complete an online form before ringing the bell. They are encouraged to invite classmates, faculty or staff members to celebrate their accomplishments. Feel free to post videos to our social media outlets and share with family and friends. Use the hashtag #LCSoundofSuccess.
• Seven students were recently initiated as new members of the Psi Nu chapter of Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education. To be invited, scholars must demonstrate excellence and show promise as future educators. Pictured (left to right) are Faith Burgamy ’24, Abbey Gardner ’23, Emilee Johnson ’24, Madi Novak ’23, Jack Richards ’23 and Sydney Rojo ’24. Not pictured is Lily Thompson ’24.
• Nominations are being taken for alumni awards to be presented during Homecoming 2023, Oct. 13-15. Deadline for submissions is March 20. The Shackelford Alumni Achievement Award is given to alumni who have distinguished themselves professionally and brought honor to the college. The award is named for Walter Malcolm Shackelford, a former professor of education (1958-1972) and academic dean of the college (1972-1982). The Outstanding Young Alumni Award goes to someone who graduated from LaGrange College within the past 10 years and who has been distinguished in his or her career and community and has brought honor to the college. For more information or to make a recommendation, contact Martha Pirkle, Director of Alumni and Community Relations, at mpirkle@kongtiao11.com or by calling 706-880-8245.
• The college will host its annual Presidential Scholars Day on Saturday. During the invitation-only event, the most talented high school applicants will interview with LC faculty and staff and tour the campus.

 

Collegiate Enrichment Events

Check LC Connect for Virtual CE events and instructions

LaGrange College Graduates: Working with Congress

Tuesday, Jan. 31

11 a.m., Dickson Assembly Room, Turner Hall

• LC Alumni Caleb Tyler ’21 and Nia Johnson ’22 will talk online about their experience working with members of Congress. Caleb is a scheduling director for U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett (Texas) and Nia is a staff assistant for U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock (Georgia).

Backs Against the Wall

Tuesday, Jan. 31

11:15 a.m., Corn Auditorium, Lewis Library

• College chaplain, pastor and theologian Howard Thurman asked an important question in his book, “Jesus and the Disinherited." "What does Jesus have to say to people whose backs are against the wall?" His answer shaped the thought, faith and life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. LC Chaplain the Rev. Adam Roberts invites students to learn how this important question continues to shape Christian thought today.

Team Dynamics in Student Leadership

Tuesday, Jan. 31

7 p.m., Corn Auditorium, Lewis Library

• In this interactive workshop, students will learn more about team dynamics and explore how each participant engages in groups differently.

 

Video of the Week

3D Journeys 2023 — Dr. Kevin Shirley — “Tuscan Roots: Ancient Etruria and Rome”

History Professor Dr. Kevin Shirley begins the 13th season of 3D Journeys lectures with an exploration of the roots of the Tuscany region of Central Italy and its influence on the nearby city of Rome. For more information about 3D Journeys and the May 2023 educational travel adventure to Italy, call 706-880-8244.

 

February Faculty and Staff Birthdays

3- Stacy Jackson, Communications and Marketing

4-Jeff Lukken, Servant Scholars, Social Sciences

6-Carla Esposito, Enrollment Management & Student Experience

7-Susan Mansour, Campus Auxiliary Services

9-Moneshia McKenney, Athletics (Indoor and Beach Volleyball)

13-Terlynn Olds, Executive Leadership (Vice President-Athletics and Recreation)

21-Don Livingston, Education

23-Elissa Lamoree, Admissions

 

Sports

Men’s Basketball

LC had to fend off a late rush by Piedmont to claim an 80-77 victory on Wednesday. Bershard Edwards led the team with a game-high 25 points.

Women’s Basketball

On Sunday, the Panthers demolished Wesleyan 81-50. Freshman Skylar Edwards had 13 points in the game. On Wednesday, the team used a late fourth-quarter run to knock off Piedmont 76-63. Zyhia Johnson had 24 points in the game and Laila Battle was right behind with 22.  

 

Calendar

(Please note that schedules may change due to circumstances beyond our control. Please check www.lagrangepanthers.com to confirm.)

Saturday, Jan. 28 – Women’s Basketball at Agnes Scott, 2 p.m., Decatur, Georgia

Tuesday, Jan. 31 – Women’s Basketball vs. Huntingdon, 5 p.m., Mariotti Gym

Tuesday, Jan. 31 – Men’s Basketball vs. Huntingdon, 7 p.m., Mariotti Gym

Category: Students, Arts and Culture, Academics

Keywords: Theatre, Drama