By NICK McCOY
Tiger Media Network
The Fort Hays Music and Theatre department will be hosting its production of “The Amish Project” this weekend. “The Amish Project” is a play with music based on the 2008 story of the same name written by Jessica Dickey.
The play itself is based on the true story of a school shooting that occurred in an Amish community in Pennsylvania, resulting in six deaths, including the shooter. With this, the play focuses on feelings of compassion and forgiveness.
“It’s really about the radical act of forgiveness leveled towards the shooter and his family, and the repercussions of that act of forgiveness around the community,” said Catherine Trieschmann Miller, theatre program specialist for the Department of Music and Theatre.
With the heavy subject matter regarding the story, the department sought to create a beautiful set for the production, something Trieschmann Miller takes pride in.
“It’s a really beautiful production,” she said. “The set is made out of this yellow pine, and we have custom-made costumes for the Amish characters. There’s also a lot of dance present, so it’s a very fluid and sparse production.”
The department chose “The Amish Project” largely for its powerful core message and the lessons that can be taken from it.
“Its timeless message on the power of forgiveness,” Trieschmann Miller said, “Is really pertinent to this current moment in our society.”
Trieschmann Miller also expresses how the production is good for younger actors, and others getting into the world of music and theatre.
“The casting is very flexible,” she said. “There’s a lot of monologues, which is good training for young actors as well. There’s space for music and dance.”
With the powerful message the play hopes to teach, Trieschmann Miller expresses the effect she thinks the production will have on students in attendance.”
“I think it will move students deeply,” she said. “I will make them think about how we treat one another, and the harm we do to one another. Along with that, the ways we forgive and heal one another.”
With opening night just around the corner, Trieschmann expresses one last hope for students coming to attend the production.
“I hope our community is moved by this great piece of art.”
The production opens at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. There will also be a 2:30 show on Sunday. All performances are at FHSU’s Felten-Start Theater. Tickets can be purchased online.