Abigail, For Now

Story & Graphic by Mia Fuller – News Editor

   This week the LSN theatre department is partnering with LSN’s counseling team to bring awareness to mental health through various posters throughout the school. This will all culminate with the spring play: Abigail, For Now. The play is set to premiere this weekend with shows on Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and an afternoon show at 2 p.m. this Sunday. Abigail, For Now tells the story of a girl who is sent to a mental hospital and the aftermath that comes with it. This play is a bit different than the past shows William Palmer, director, has helped put on with LSN.

   “It has been a while since I directed a play that was realistic in style. It meant working with actors to make sure they were listening to one another and honestly reacting in the environment,” Palmer said.

   The play originally stood out to Palmer due to its examination of mental health and the human connection. 

   “I chose Abigail as I was looking for a contemporary play that would allow us an opportunity to explore advocacy and activism through theatre. Abigail stood out for its themes of mental health and human connection,” Palmer said. 

   Palmer hopes people will see the show because at its core it is a play about connection and will make people think about the feelings and conversations that Abigail, For Now stirs up.

   On the other side of the stage is actor, Rae Hammond, who is a senior here at LSN. Hammond has been involved with the theatre department for years, but this semester’s play is a bit different for them. 

   “Abigail, For Now has been different from other plays for me personally because I was always behind the stage working with the costumes. Now I’m the one wearing them! Being a part of the cast presents many challenges and exciting moments, and I’ve greatly enjoyed the process,” Hammond said. 

   Hammond believes that people should come to the show because it gives students a chance to learn more about mental health.  

   “I’ve certainly learned about mental health and about my own through this show, and I think everyone else can learn something too!” Hammond said. 

   Both Palmer and Hammond hope when people come to see the show this weekend and walk away thinking more about mental health and what lots of people deal with under the surface of their everyday lives.