DANBURY, CONN. — The Western Connecticut State University Department of Theatre Arts will present “The Stepmother” for the next two weeks beginning with this evening’s student previewperformance.

The play will be performed in the Studio Theatre of the Visual and Performing Arts Center on the university’s Westside campus, 43 Lake Ave. Extension in Danbury. Evening performances will be at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016, and Thursday, Oct. 13; 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 14; Saturday, Oct. 15; Friday, Oct. 21; Saturday, Oct. 22; and Sunday, Oct. 23, with 2 p.m. matinees on Oct. 15, 16, 22 and 23, 2016. To purchase tickets, which are $20 for general admission, go to http://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-stepmother-tickets-26782134084.

“The Stepmother” is a 1924 play by British playwright Githa Sowerby is a powerful display of empowerment that deals with the tensions of female independence in a patriarchal society. NOTE: the performance may be considered too graphic for younger audiences.

The cast of WCSU students includes: Alexandra Olinyk of East Haven as Charlotte Gaydon; Alaina Mueller of Windsor as Mary; David Fejes of New Fairfield as Eustace Gaydon; Kristen Muller of Norwalk as Monica Gaydon; Laura Portera of Fairfield as Betty Gaydon; John Mudgett of Danbury as Mr. Bennet; Stephanie Brown of Waterbury as Lois Relph; Ryan Jepsen of Stratford as Cyril Bennet; Nicholas Raines of New Milford as Peter Holland; Caitlin White of Enfield as Mrs. Geddes; and Samuel Everett of Kent as Man Servant.

Theatre Arts Professor Pam McDaniel is the producer with Thomas Swetz of Poughquag, New York, as technical director.

Western Connecticut State University offers outstanding faculty in a range of quality academic programs. Our diverse university community provides students an enriching and supportive environment that takes advantage of the unique cultural offerings of Western Connecticut and New York.  Our vision: To be an affordable public university with the characteristics of New England’s best small private universities.