Celebration of Scholarship and Creative Activity 2021
“God is an Old Drag Queen: A New One-Act Play by Macrina Schry“
Macrina Schry
Senior, English
Abstract
God is an Old Drag Queen is my attempt to examine marginalization within our society, as well as the institutions which may contribute to the perpetuation of that marginalization. I am of the opinion that everyone has a personal perspective that influences their beliefs and their perception of the world, and that artistic mediums, particularly theatre, can serve as invitations to explore oneself and one’s understanding of their circumstances. I encourage today’s audience to reflect on their own beliefs and the experiences that may have shaped those beliefs. My hope is that this examination of self will inspire positive change and foster attitudes of acceptance. I would like to recognize that having the opportunity to share my work on such a public platform is a liberty that far too many people are not privy to, and I would like to thank everyone whose time, effort, and talents have afforded me the privilege of sharing my voice, especially: Professor Richard Kalinoski, Wayne Abler, Ali Basham, Drake Hansen, Jordan Whitrock, Megan Kitzman and my family and friends whose support and love are constant sources of inspiration. I hope that I can continue to learn and grow as a playwright and to one day use my voice to inspire positive change.
Project Background
While this work is my first academic foray in playwriting, I have been writing plays and works of creative fiction my entire life. It was truly a privilege to create this work alongside my talented classmates under the instruction of award-winning playwright, Professor Richard Kalinoski. As a longtime lover and participant in theatre, I’ve always admired a playwright’s ability to craft a work that interweaves real world issues and human narratives within a medium that invites the audience to genuinely enter into and experience a world that isn’t their own. These experiences tend to inspire the viewer long after the curtains have closed. While working, I was inspired by works by playwrights such as Jeremy O. Harris, Tony Kushner, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, and William Shakespeare, who use their plays to critique aspects of society they wish to change, and represent the narratives of groups who have historically been underrepresented. It is their example that I’ve attempted to emulate in my own work: God is an Old Drag Queen.
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This was incredible! Fantastic work and so creative. I adore the title. Thank you for sharing!
Macrina, what an amazing, powerful story. Thank you for sharing!
Bravo! This is powerful. You are a talented writer.
Wow, wow, wow. I am sitting here in tears. Phenomenal writing, Macrina; I am blown away by the depth and intricacy of the story you managed to weave in such a relatively brief piece. Phenomenal reading, Ali, Drake (hi!), Jordan, and Megan–you gave such weight to Macrina’s words.
So much history and pain and ugliness and beauty and redemption and love. Macrina, you never stop amazing me!
Macrina you always shine a beautiful light from your heart in all that you do! This is a powerful work of art that gives the observer a time to reflect on his or her beliefs and understanding of the world around us. This piece allows each and every one of us to grow in our own personal journeys by showing personal perceptions that many of us can relate to. This story is one that encourages us all, in these very trying of times, to grow in our accepting, understanding and appreciation of each other. Your creativity and character development is absolutely incredible in bringing so many feelings within your audience. I am so very proud of you and how you reach out to others through your work to make this world a better place! As we travel through life we know that every one of us has a story and there is no one you would not love if you knew their story. You are so very talented and I hope that you continue to use your wonderful talents to touch the hearts of many for years to come by continuing to pen the stories that many others do not have the strength to share.
Macrina – this is a very powerful work. If only people would accept others for who and what they are, and not judge them just because they are “different” in some way. The world would be such a better place. You are going to do great things in your life and I can’t wait to see them.
Love you!
This is so moving! As someone who struggles with my own faith and sexuality, this was really moving and brought out so many emotions! Truly amazing!