by Beth Riner, Messenger Staff Writer

Theatre Sewanee’s production of “She Kills Monsters,” a quirky fantasy mix of geeks, evil succubi cheerleaders, and Dungeons & Dragons, delves into grief and sexual identity.

Add in life-size puppet monsters, and University of the South Theatre Department Chair Jim Crawford thinks it’s a combination that will entice even the most reluctant theatergoer.

“There’s something about the Dungeons & Dragons angle of the play that is so fun theatrically,” Crawford said. “I think it will appeal to students and get them to come — students who aren’t convinced theater will interest them.”

“She Kills Monsters” by Qui Nguyen runs through Sunday, Oct. 8 in the Tennessee Williams Center.

Performances are set for 8 p.m., Oct. 6; 7:30 p.m., Oct. 7; and 2 p.m. Oct. 7 and Oct. 8 in the Proctor Hill Theater in the Tennessee Williams Center located at 290 Kentucky Avenue in Sewanee.

As always, there is no charge for tickets, but patrons are asked to reserve seats online at https://eventbrite.com/e/she-kills-monsters-by-qui-nguyen-tickets-719393755087?aff=oddtdcreator;.

Assistant Professor Sarah Lacy Hamilton directs the 90-minute play.

“It follows the story of two sisters, Agnes and Tilly,” she said. “Agnes is the oldest sister. When her younger sister was in high school, her sister and her parents were both killed in a car accident. The play takes place later on when Agnes is an adult, and she finds her sister’s Dungeons & Dragons’ notebook. She decides to play it to try to reconnect with her sister even after death. That is what transports us into this really fun and playful and exciting fantasy.”

In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy world—New Landia—created by the younger sister, Tilly, all of the characters are queer.

“It’s revealed that in real life Tilly was bullied for being queer, and she’s created a kind of beautiful, almost utopian, place for her and her friends to have freedom of expression,” Hamilton explained. “Being able to be joyful in challenging or even trying circumstances, I think, is a really revolutionary act, and that’s something I hope to capture with this production.”

For Olivia Millwood, a senior theatre major from Bristol, Tenn., it’s her first time as assistant director. She also is movement director for the production.

“Being an assistant director has been such a wonderful, informative experience,” Millwood said. “I am able to be involved in so many aspects of the show and really see it build from the ground up. I get to take part in creative decisions and see that take form on the stage.”

Two talented sophomores have lead roles: Sofia Tripoli plays Agnes, and Victoria Ryan is Tilly.

“Agnes has been such a fun character to explore because of her genuinely stubborn personality,” said Tripoli, a creative writing major from Greenville, South Carolina. “Her need to reconnect and understand her past allows her to be driven out of her comfort zone. I admire her willingness to face her faults and be vulnerable with other people. She has shown me that no matter how strong you are, it is ok to ask for help. There’s no fun completing your adventure alone.”

Ryan, a theatre major from Nashville, Tennessee, feels equally connected to her character, Tilly.

“Tilly reminds us of how lonely and alienating it can feel to live in a world that doesn’t accept you,” she explained. “The bullying Tilly faced when she was alive led her to create and devote herself to a fantasy world—all so she could feel like she belonged somewhere. I think the way in which Tilly copes with how the world is and how people are is something that deeply resonates with me; it is so heartbreaking and real.”

Director Hamilton echoes that sentiment.

“This show is very funny, but it’s also really touching,” she said. “There are some lovely, heartfelt moments in it, so I think it gives you the best of both worlds. I hope people will leave with a little more joy in their hearts and an appreciation for the people in their lives that they love. I also hope that they leave with a little bit of courage to play pretend.”