IU Theater presents Intimate Apparel

IU Theatre will travel back to the 20th century when the theater debuts its latest production, “Intimate Apparel.”

The show begins its run at 7:30 p.m. Friday and concludes Feb. 9.
Written by Lynn Nottage, “Intimate Apparel” follows African-American seamstress and lingerie specialist Esther Mills as she carries on a love affair with a Barbadian canal worker named George.

IU Theatre has invited Ron Himes to direct its production. Himes, who serves as founder and producing director of the St. Louis Black Rep, said he’s directed this play before and loves Nottage’s work.

“She tells really strong women stories with strong women characters,” Himes said. “She tells stories that might not otherwise be told.”

Himes said he was interested in directing IU Theatre’s production because he enjoys directing college students. He said the greatest challenge he had to overcome with his actors was getting them to understand their characters’ problems and
experiences.

Junior theater major Jessica Turner said she agrees. Turner who plays Esther in the play, said she had trouble seeing things through Esther’s eyes at times.

“Me and Esther are different,” she said. “She’s more controlled with her emotions. Nothing negative comes from her, whereas I’m outgoing. If I get angry, everyone feels my wrath.”

Turner said she attempted to better understand Esther by reading as much as she could about anything having to do with the play. She said she researched the early 1900s, the time period of the play, as well as fabric and racial relationships of that time.

Himes said all the hard work Turner and the rest of the cast have put in shows has paid off, and that the cast would be wonderful by the time the play opens.
“They’ve come a long way from day one,” Himes said. “They’ve grown tremendously, they’re talented and they were a joy to work with.”

Turner said she’s really enjoyed her time playing Esther and hopes the audience feels a sense of release upon seeing the play.

“I hope they understand no matter what struggle you’re going through, there’s always a way to come back from it,” she said.

Tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for students and $20 for seniors. Students can also purchase $10 rush tickets the day of each performance at the IU Auditorium Box Office.