Meadows Theatre and Film Alumni Collaborate on New NYC-Based Play
From producing and directing to stage managing and acting, the new play “Do You Feel Anger?” is a production run almost entirely by Meadows alumni.
Meadows alumni have collaborated on a new production showing this weekend in New York City, Do You Feel Anger? Headed by Alysia Giakoumas (B.F.A. ’21), Lyon Hamill (B.F.A. ’21), and Angelica McEwan (B.F.A. ’21), and co-produced by Sabina Arcila (B.F.A. ’24) and Addison Vaughn (B.F.A. ’24), the play is an absurdist comedy that provides a sharp, satirical look at everyday power dynamics in the workplace.
Breaking into the NYC theatre industry is no easy feat, but thanks to connections made during their time at Meadows, the producers were encouraged to produce the play themselves. They partnered with production company Theatre East, with whom they had the opportunity participate in virtual plays with during the COVID-19 pandemic, to house the show at the company’s Court Square Theatre.
“At SMU, our professors urged us to ‘make your own theatre’ and ‘be world changers,’ so we wanted to take that advice and not just wait around for an opportunity,” explains Giakoumas. “Producing this play is our way of taking control, using the lessons we learned at Meadows, and transforming our experiences of powerlessness into a story that mirrors and critiques these themes.”
According to the producers, the play does more than entertain; it resonates with anyone who has felt powerless, on-edge, or stuck in a world full of power struggles and overwhelming challenges, themes that are familiar to many New York residents. Do You Feel Anger? offers a reflection on the absurdity of those struggles and a cathartic release through humor.
The production is also made up almost entirely by Meadows alumni. In addition to Arcila, Vaughn, Giakoumas, Hamill and McEwan, Coda Boyce (B.F.A. ’21) is the Production Stage Manager and Mollie Mulvey (B.F.A. ’21) is the Assistant Stage Manager, and Deanna Ott (M.F.A. ’20) is directing. Giakoumas, Hamill and McEwan are also starring in the show!
“This show could not exist without the SMU Meadows alumni network,” says Giakoumas. “We feel so lucky to have made long-lasting friendships at SMU, which led to this collaboration.”
Do You Feel Anger? is showing at Court Square Theatre in Long Island City from November 7 -10, and you can purchase tickets to the show here.
