Sexual assault, campus rape culture and greek organizations’ reaction to them are just a few issues Ghostlight Repertory Theatre’s latest production, “IX,” put in the audience’s face opening night, Thursday.
The play is directed by fifth-year senior John Brahan for his senior thesis, and combines his double majors in theatre arts and public policy leadership. While the play is not exclusively about Ole Miss it combines key elements of campus culture.
The play details the aftermath of an alleged sexual assault, following everyone involved through the ensuing Title IX investigation. Brahan said he was inspired to write the play his junior year after serving as vice president of standards of the Interfraternity Council.
Brahan is also an alumnus of Sigma Chi Fraternity and was an active member during the Derby Days controversy last year.
“IX” does not present the play’s sexual assault incident as a black and white issue. There is never one clear answer given about what actually happens. For most of their time on stage, the actors try to see their way through the grey, which leads to some powerful questions they individually and collectively have to deal with.
The play begins with one of the main characters, Tripp, hanging out with several of his fraternity brothers at a bar. It is clear how involved and well-liked he is throughout campus. Soon Claire and Tripp are introduced by mutual friends, and after flirting, they exchange numbers and make plans to see each other at the back to school party his fraternity house is throwing the next Friday.
The assault is played over twice. The first time, it’s from Claire’s point of view, and the second time, it’s from Tripp’s memory of the night. The major differences in their memories make clear how murky the night is becoming. There is no obvious right answer ever presented.
Before the assault is shown on stage, the audience first sees Claire, along with her two friends Sydney and Monica, in her apartment the Monday night after the party. Both of them know how uncomfortable Claire is with the sexual encounter she had the previous Friday with Tripp at his fraternity house during the party. The assault’s impact on Claire is shown before the actual assault is.
Adding greater complexity to the issue are the very different responses from her two friends. Sydney calls Claire’s regret a “moral hangover” and basically tells her to get over it. Monica repeatedly states that she believes Claire was raped.
The tension between her two friends and their differing ideas about what happened linger throughout the play. Both frequently function as stereotypes. Sydney, the wild party girl, advocates for the mixture of alcohol and sex, while Monica, the non-sorority woman and liberal, is outspoken about Tripp’s guilt. As their screaming matches prove, their confidence hurts and confuses Claire, who remains unable to process what has happened to her.
The reputations of both Tripp and Claire are referenced by every character as the two try to understand what happened. “IX” poses a very uncomfortable question. What would people say about you if you were in Claire’s shoes? If every bad decision, every drunken choice was laid bare, would people say you were asking for it?
“IX” does an incredible job of presenting an issue that is common on college campuses. Don’t expect many answers, but do expect to have your thoughts and opinions questioned as you watch some talented fellow students explore an issue you have most likely experienced in one way or another.
See “IX” at 7:30 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. Sunday and 7:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Monday. All showings will be at the Meek Auditorium.
