UNO Theater presents the first production of the 2024-25 season, “The Moors” by Jen Silverman, directed by Madison Smith. “The Moors” will be performed at the Robert E. Nims Theater on the University of New Orleans campus. 

Previews will be shown on October 2 and 3 at 7:30 p.m. The show officially opens Friday, October 4 at 7:30 p.m. and will run on Saturday, October 5 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, October 6 at 2 p.m. The following week, the show will run Wednesday, October 9 at 7:30 p.m. and closes Saturday, October 12 at 7:30 p.m. 

Silverman’s play tells the story of Agatha and Huldey, two spinster sisters who live out their lives on the bleak English moors, dreaming of love and power, alongside their much-maligned dog. The arrival of a hapless governess, Emilie, and an enchanting moorhen, set all three on a strange and dangerous path. 

“The Moors” is a dark comedy about love, desperation, and visibility, with songs. This production is another collaboration between the UNO theater and music departments. Alumnus Joshua Stevenson has composed several pieces of music that will be performed by a band comprised of current UNO students. 

“We’re so thrilled to be able to collaborate with the music department once again. While the show features two songs already, we saw this as a perfect opportunity to incorporate even more music. It makes the entire production feel more cinematic,” said director Madison Smith. “The show is a dark comedy and a gothic mystery; it compares the female experience throughout history to the titular moors—prey must become predator; it is survival of the fittest. The play aims to make you laugh one minute and shock you the next.” 

“The Moors” will function as a thesis project for UNO MFA candidates Himshree Neupane, Caylee Sanders, and Madison Smith. 

For more information on “The Moors,” visit UNO’s School of the Arts theater season website. General admission for all shows is now free. Preview performances, October 2 and 3 at 7:30 p.m., are subject to stop and start or restart.