37 Stitches - a Riverland and World Premiere Event

For the first time ever, Riverland Theatre presented an all student production. On January 16 & 17, 2009, 37 Stitches, written and directed student Shane May, made its stage debut. In the words of the playwright: “37 Stitches is a play about life on the fringe of society and reality. It is about love and loss, redemption and pain. It is art imitating life at its darkest where the gun acts as god machine wrapping up the inevitable tragic end.”

For the cast director May used fellow students including Jessica Beske, Kelsey Seifert, Andrew Torkelson, Brenden Troster and Jake Gustine. Stage manager was Becca Seifert. The cast all agreed that the experience of producing an original work in progress was very rewarding and challenging. The audience was moved by the script and the actors presenting a slice of life – the darker side of life.

Shane May is a sophomore in the Theatre AFA program. He has written several shorter plays, but this was his first full length play. The production gave him a chance to see and hear his words come to life. Shane plans to graduate from Riverland and continue his dream of becoming a full-time playwright, director and actor.