RILEY RAINS / ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR

The University of San Diego’s undergraduate Department of Theatre is presenting the “Spring Awakening” play from Nov. 20 — Nov. 23. USD’s spin on “Spring Awakening” is based on the play written by Frank Wedekind which explores repressed adolescents stumbling into adulthood as awkwardly as they do into each other’s arms. The production surrounds young Melchior and Wendla — played by USD sophomore Antonio Bregante and USD senior Liv Meloy respectively — as their desires grow for one another and their parents’ guidance wanes. Melchior’s friend, Mortiz — played  by USD junior Jordan Bayon — explores his sexuality in a school that is constantly suppressing individuality. The cast consists of 14 Toreros who are excited to perform after months of dedication. 

USD Theatre acting during the dress rehearsal of  ‘Spring Awakening.’ Photo courtesy of Cherishann Diamzon

USD sophomore Emma Power who is playing Anna, a character central in the young friend group, provided background into the theatre’s preparations.

“The auditions were in September,” Power recalled. “Rehearsals and then design has been taking place for the last few months. A lot of times we’ll be here until 10 p.m. just preparing for it. So the time commitment has been really fun and engaging. Lots of preparation on both the tech side and the performance side.”

The play begins with a confrontation: Wendla asks her mother where babies come from. After jumping around the subject for a few scenes, the parent fails to explain the facts of conception to her impressionable daughter. Wendla’s friend group — Martha, Thea Anna and Ilse — are all equally naive. 

USD first-year Isabella Combs, who is playing Thea, explained what “Spring Awakening” is about. 

“It’s essentially a coming of age story that goes into what happens when children are neglected by society — when adults reject the feelings of youth,”  Combs   said. “It  definitely  surrounds  the  conflicts between adults and youth.” 

The play trickled down from Broadway to USD. The production’s brave, sensitive content has won eight Tony Awards, including “Best Musical.” Set in 1891 Germany, the electric fusion of rock and roll, morality and sexuality inspired Postdoctoral Faculty member Wilfred Paloma to take charge of the musical’s direction and choreography.

USD Adjunct Assistant Professor Lisa Berger is directing the show. Berger directed USD’s play last year, “The Wolves.”

The professors and actors alike have to battle the play’s touchy subjects in relation to their own personal lives. Power described the relevance of a play that explores sexuality, the lack of education in grade school and amplifying repressed voices. 

“I think it’s really powerful because the frustration of children not given a voice, and therefore options, can still be seen in modern problems,” Power argued. 

USD sophomore Jacqueline Goshert plays Martha, a girl who is physically and sexually abused by her father. Goshert echoed Power’s concern.

“I think this show is really pertinent,  especially  when we’re  seeing a  lot of  defunding in schools of art, with the  current administration who I feel has a bit more of a conservative take,” Goshert stated. “When it comes to sexual education and education around different sexualities — the show deals with both. And this play is about the consequences of [when] one of the adults in children’s lives don’t educate them partly on sexuality. It’s really important to understand why these conversations need to be had and what the consequences are of what happens when we don’t have them.”

In the play, a main character dies by suicide due to sexual shame and academic failings. Another character passes from a botched abortion. These bold actions may evoke intense reactions from audience members. In light of this, the Department of Theatre has issued a content advisory.   

“‘Spring Awakening’ explores the rollercoaster of adolescence, touching on themes of sexual awakening, rebellion and struggles of coming of age,” the Department wrote. “Due to its mature content, we recommend audiences of 17+. There is discussion and depiction of sexuality (both consensual and non-consensual), partial nudity, sensitive themes (domestic/physical violence, mental health struggles, suicide, abortion), masturbation, strong explicit language, and substance use.” 

While the content of the “Spring Awakening” musical is heavy, students involved in theatre couldn’t be more thrilled over its production. With demanding hours, the community has sparked friendships among Toreros. USD sophomore Israel Fox, who’s playing Ilse, shared her experience.

“You  are  able to make friends and meet people very quickly,” Fox explained. “It starts   feeling   more  like  a family than people you work with.”

Fox’s sentiments are shared throughout the close-knit theatre community. USD first-year Rocco Gayoso, who’s playing Georg and Dieter, expanded on Fox’s attitude in light of his very busy schedule. 

“I’m a STEM major and I’m in  the  choir so everyday I have to figure out when to eat,” Gayoso joked. “[Theatre] goes till 10 p.m. then I go to the library. It’s a lot of time but it’s worth it. I joined the theatre community to find a group that I could be myself in. I found that here.”

Despite its challenging themes, “Spring Awakening” has inspired a passionate community within USD’s theatre program. As the cast prepares for their opening night, their camaraderie will highlight why this production remains relevant more than a century after its creation.

The opening night of ‘Spring Awakening’ is Nov. 20. Photo courtesy of @usddeptoftheatre/Instagram