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DePauw Theatre to present world premiere production
The DePauw University Department of Communication & Theatre will present the world premiere of “’Til Death Do Us Part,” a new musical by DePauw alumna Teresa Shunk. It will be presented in four performances — Thursday–Saturday, Feb. 1–3, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 4, at 3 p.m. — in the Green Center for the Performing Arts’ Moore Theater on the DePauw campus.
The premiere represents the culmination of a 2024 Winter Term workshop led by stage director and DePauw faculty member Ron Dye, and a two-year script development process that Shunk described as both “exciting and humbling.”
Currently in her first year working at Sullivan High School, where she is in charge of teaching band and choir, the author drew inspiration for the musical from her grandmother, a survivor of domestic abuse. Feeling sympathetic with those in similar situations, the playwright took up the subject as a theme in her writing.
Shunk’s work on “’Til Death Do Us Part,” as both playwright and composer, began as a 10-minute assignment in Prof. Dye’s class, “Songwriting for Theater and Film,” in fall 2021. Over the past two years, Dye has witnessed the piece emerge into a full-length performance in three acts — with the help, of course, of the 29 student participants in his Winter Term workshop, committed to meeting twice daily for a month of acting rehearsals, design and technical production meetings.
“I am so grateful for everyone who has been involved in the creation of this play,” Shunk shared. “I owe it all to Ron Dye, William Pearson and Mary Martin for taking a chance on me.”
Dye, a professor of English and communication and theater, began directing plays at DePauw in 1999. Also coordinator of the university’s Performing Arts Series, he was appointed vice chairman of playwriting for the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival in 2001. His collaboration with Shunk, a standout among his many accomplished students, marks a return for Dye to stage direction this season at DePauw.
Shunk’s new musical tells the story of Sharon, who after years of silent obedience, finds the strength to stand up to her abusive husband, the sheriff of their small hometown. Risking the safety of both herself and her child, she flees her corrupt husband to find a new home, overcoming moral dilemmas and physical injuries. No obstacle proves more difficult, however, than that of a mother confronting her own guilt and fear in this heartbreaking and heartwarming original work.
In addition to creating a moving theatrical experience, the production team hopes to raise awareness about DePauw’s Green Dot Training program and the services of the Beyond Homeless Shelter, which is dedicated to prevention of homelessness in Putnam County.
Tickets to this new work are $10 for general admission and are free to all students. Advance tickets may be obtained online by visiting dpugreencenter.eventbrite.com or purchased in person at the Green Center box office, beginning 60 minutes prior to the performance. For more information, contact Ronald Dye (rdye@depauw.edu).