Peopled filled the seats of the Performing Arts Center’s Black Box Theater February 1 and 2 for a student written and directed play. “Just,” a play about the boundaries of friendship and the kinds of emotional sacrifices people make in the name of friendship, was both written and directed by Eileen Moeller.
“The characters are essentially so wrapped up in the idea of having that one good friend that they have become trapped in a sort of dead marriage,” Moeller said.
The script idea was generated from Moeller’s personal experiences. In the play, Charlie, the lead character, wants to confess feelings for a friend but lacks the courage to do so. Moeller has experienced this situation before and believes it is something to which many people can relate.
Ideas for this type of event may seem easy to think of, but following through requires time and encouragement.
“I began writing the script in fall of ‘06 and didn’t really think anything would come of it. I was just bored and fully intended on not finishing,” Moeller said. “The challenge with this was taking away all of the extra stuff and stripping it down to the essential ideas. It’s tough to determine what words will sound natural and relatable to an audience. I was very critical of myself.”
Auditions were held for the production in order to find the perfect person for each character in the play. Three character roles had to be filled for the play, and Moeller was looking for actors who could relate to, and bring out the qualities of, each character. Auditions were held for the production and after seeing bits of herself and her friends in three of the people auditioning, she decided on the cast: Kaitlin McCarthy as Charlie; Tyler Lueck as Ben; and Mary Montgomery as Jessie.
With a cast in hand, Moeller needed to work to make the event happen. While the cast rehearsed often, Winona State’s winter break proved to be an obstacle. Moeller essentially built and set up the set alone because of the break and a week-long theater festival.
Although she faced obstacles, Moeller found the work very rewarding.
“I feel like “Just” is a very organic production. All of the help I’ve had with the show, whether people just encouraging me or offering physical help with stuff, has been from people close by: friends who may or may not be traditional ‘theatre’ folk,” Moeller said. “Some of the music featured in the show was written and performed by a friend of mine. It has definitely been a group effort.”
Moeller hopes to write another screenplay in the future. Students who are involved with THAD are encouraged to try out and Moeller welcomes new people, too. For more information about “Just” contact Moeller at EEMoelle7440@winona.edu.

Questions or Comments?
Contact Jessica at
JLLarsen0487@winona.edu