Barnard’s theatre department will stage Fefu and Her Friends, the seminal play by Cuban-American playwright and “mother of the avant-garde,” Maria Irene Fornés.
Set in 1935, Fefu and Her Friends follows eight women, including Fefu, who gather at Fefu’s house to prepare for a nondescript educational presentation. The absurdist play physically moves audience members throughout the story. At its core, Fefu and Her Friends explores female relationships, the patriarchy, and gender identity.
“What Fefu does is shed light on entrenched problems and show women trying to deal with them, as best they can, together,” said Alice Reagan, theatre department chair and professor of professional practice.
The production will be staged in various settings within Milbank Hall — with the first and last act both taking place in the Minor Latham Playhouse, and the middle act moving through various locations such as the greenhouse and the Ella Weed room.
"We will enliven every floor of Milbank, bringing the community into these spaces that have seen strife in recent years, wake up everyone’s senses to the smells, colors, textures of women’s education that has been happening here for decades, which is still happening here, and open the possibility to change our perspective,” said Reagan.
The production will feature a selection of Barnard and Columbia students, four of whom hail from Barnard: Zoë Chang ’25, Emerson Antunes Black ’28, Bess Blackburn ’27, and Bella Williams ’26.
“I love that Fefu and Her Friends asks so much of both actors and audience members, from performing in multiple locations, to Shakespeare sonnets, interpretive dances, and waterfights.” said Blackburn. In particular, playing Emma, a deeply theatrical and spiritual character, has helped me connect with my spirituality as an artist.”
"As my last show at Barnard before I graduate in May, this show means the world to me, especially because it explores the joys and hardships of friendship," said Williams. "Our production wouldn't be what it is without the community we've built in the last six weeks, working with our incredibly talented cast and crew, and dissecting this difficult yet profound material, which has been one of the greatest performance challenges I've ever gotten the pleasure to tackle.
The play will be directed by Reagan, choreographed by Caroline Fermin, term lecturer in dance, and designed by Sandra Goldmark, a former professor of professional practice in the theatre department.
Scenic Design Sandra Goldmark
Lighting Design Lucrecia Briceño
Costume Design Saiya Palmer
Sound Design Jane Shaw
Choreography Caroline Fermin
Movement & Voice Direction Sara Buffamanti
Assistant Directors Lyla Arazi and Nathan Rakolta
Stage Management Keala Henry
Barnard and Columbia University students: Emerson Antunes Black, Bess Blackburn, Zoë Chang, Isa Lilja-Vazquez, Shea Rodriguez, Margaret Townsend, Bella Williams, and Mimi Wu.
Tickets for Fefu and Her Friends are currently sold out. Waitlists will be available at the door for BC/CU affiliates for all remaining shows.
Tickets are $14 for general admission and $7 with a BC/CU ID. The production will run in Milbank Hall from March 5-7. Content advisories can be found here.