Theatre Arts presents Craigslisted Nov. 15–18

When cash is involved and the stakes are high, how many compromises would you make for money?

This is the exact question protagonist Maggie will explore in the upcoming performances of Craigslisted presented by the Lees-McRae Theatre Arts program Nov. 15–18 in Hayes Auditorium and Broyhill Theatre.

An undergrad who’s unwilling to ask her friends for more money, Maggie is desperate to find a solution to her financial woes and an electric company threatening to turn out the lights. If she doesn’t figure out a solution fast, she won’t be able to charge her laptop for school not to mention life’s other essentials like lights.

So, Maggie does what anyone might do—she starts answering personal ads for odd jobs on Craigslist to earn the cash she needs to get by.

That’s when things begin to get weird.

Director of Craigslisted Karen Sabo said issues of money are crucial for people, especially young people, to discuss.

“We have enormous wealth, a widening divide between rich and poor, very low joblessness, and still, lots of people can't make ends meet,” Sabo said. “Wages are just not keeping up with expenses, and lots of students, especially those who are first-generation college students, are struggling with money and realizing that private student loans are going to be financially crippling for years and will affect their freedom for decades.”

In addition to discussing important issues surrounding money, Sabo said she wanted to direct Craigslisted to reach out to college-age students who are doing everything right, but still can’t seem to make ends meet. Sabo also wanted to explore the topic of moral boundaries, and how flexible they can become when money is involved.

“This character, Maggie, is doing everything she’s supposed to—going to school and juggling three jobs—but she just can’t pay for her simple life with minimum-wage jobs,” Sabo added. “That’s why she turns to Craigslist to do some weird stuff for money.”

Shows begin at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, Nov. 15–17, and 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 18 in Hayes Auditorium and Broyhill Theatre. General seating tickets can be purchased at the door one hour prior to showtime or online here. Tickets are $12 for adults and $5 for students. This production is rated R for adult content.

For more information call the Lees-McRae Box Office at 828.898.8709 or visit lmc.edu/theatreshows.
By Nina MastandreaNovember 06, 2018
AcademicsCommunity