Gorham student part of Eastern Conn. virtual theater production

WILLIMANTIC, Conn. — William Donnelly, of Gorham, Maine, was among the Eastern Connecticut State University’ students who helped make the theater program’s second production of the year, “Blood at the Root,” possible.
Donnelly is a member of the class of 2024, majoring in new media studies, and was projections media artist for the virtual production, which streamed online from March 21 t0 28.
Inspired by the Jena Six case, a 2006 racially charged incident in Louisiana, the production features a Black student who disrupts her high school’s status quo by occupying space typically reserved for White students. As a result, her community erupts in hate speech, violence and chaos.
Combatting issues of race and homophobia, the show followed students who struggle with their own identities, as well as their acceptance of others. “Blood at the Root” utilized a combination of backdrops, lights, musical and rhythmic breaks, as well as dance. The unique show involved multiple directors and myriad COVID-19 restrictions including social distancing and mask wearing on stage.
The theater program offers many opportunities for students to work on-stage, backstage and front-of-house through classes, independent studies, internships, and practicum work. Students also showcase their talents in full-length major productions, one-acts, original plays and staged readings.