COLUSA, CA (MPG) – Colusa High School senior Mia Cowsert will premiere her original play, “The Curse of Dionysus,” as her Senior Project in March at the Stagehands building at the Colusa Fairgrounds.
Cowsert wrote and directed the production, marking her first time staging an original script. She based the play on the Greek god Dionysus and created her own interpretation of the myth.
“I’ve always had a passion for theater and writing,” Cowsert said. “If I had to go back in time and change something, I wouldn’t change a thing.”
Students from Colusa High School and Arbuckle High School make up much of the cast and crew. Adult performers also joined the production.
Jeff Graham of Yuba City plays Dionysus. He also helped choreograph the fight scenes.
Cowsert said she relied on her cast, technical team and mentor Lora Weekes as she worked through her first directing role. Arbuckle High School teacher Don Joel assisted with set construction. Members of the Stagehands board and volunteers supported the production.
“It was harder than I expected,” Cowsert said, “but I’m glad I chose to do it. I would love to come back with more stories in the future.”
Cast members include Starlyn Scott, Ada Setzer, Cortney Scott, Jeff Graham, Rafael Garcia, Scott Swift, Trenton Griffith, Patrick Dorsey, Lola Scott and Cooper Scott.
Crew members include Lidyana Gutierrez, Bianca Valencia, Alexis Santillan, Crystal Quintero, Cris Castellon, Amalia Gomez, Emma Fernandez, Evan Burrious, Jordan Morrow, Alyce Joel, Eddie Purvis, Miranda Perez and Jayden Soto.
Performances are scheduled for March 6 and 7 at 7:15 p.m., with doors opening at 6:30 p.m., and March 8 at 2:15 p.m., with doors opening at 1:30 p.m. All shows will take place at the Stagehands building at the Colusa Fairgrounds, 9th Street entrance. Tickets cost $10 at the door.