The Penn State Theatre Department is performing “Dry Land” by Ruby Rae Spiegel Sunday through Wednesday. The play follows high school girls on a swim team who are dealing with teen pregnancy and abortion.
Theatre students Catherine Bennis and Riley Conrad play the two main characters in “Dry Land.” They proposed it earlier this year, before Texas’ six-week abortion ban.
Bennis said the law makes it more timely, but the play doesn’t take a side politically.
“It’s not a matter of whether or not you agree with abortions or disagree with abortions, it’s what do these girls have to go through on a daily basis that led them to this point. This breaking point, honestly,” Bennis said.
Audience members must be at least 18 or have parental consent to attend. Spiegel, the playwright, wanted scenes to realistically depict a dark side of teen pregnancy and abortion. Conrad wants to do the same.
“When you talk about things like that, you can talk about it and envision it in your head all you want. But unless you’re seeing it, you’re seeing these high school girls go through this thing, I don’t think you can be as impacted by it,” Conrad said.
The tickets are free, but must be reserved ahead of time online through Penn State Theatre.