Marcescence – COMING SOON
The Iowa State University Music and Theatre Department is proud to present Marcescence, a groundbreaking devised theatre performance, co-created by seniors Claire Thede (Director) and Alex Harrell (Playwright). The performance will be showcased at the 2025 ISU Theatre Fringe Festival, running May 2-4, 2025.
“Marcescence – a phenomenon where plants keep their dead leaves through the winter and into spring. The leaves turn from green to tan but remain attached to the stem. Those leaves inevitably fall but the plant remains and will bloom again.”
Marcescence brings to light six powerful, thought-provoking stories that explore the often-overlooked experiences of women. With its unique combination of raw emotion and symbolic imagery, this production delves into the harsh realities faced by women while offering a platform for their voices to be heard. Each narrative highlights a different aspect of the female experience, from societal pressures to personal triumphs, drawing connections between the stories through evocative, symbolic visual storytelling.
The Anastasia Project
Featuring Emma Lea Werling, Devon TeKolste, and Fiona Addy
The Anastasia Project. In 1917 Russia, the Romanov family was on its last leg as the country struggled and Communism was taking over. A year later, the Romanovs were overthrown and on July 17,1918 they were executed. Years later, their bodies were uncovered only to find 5 of the 7. It is believed that the youngest children, Alexi and Anastasia may have survived. For decades this event made news headlines and several women came forward as the “real Anastasia”. This is a devised narrative dance piece to the musical arrangements of Richard Wagner. I chose to explore the way that we as a society romanticized a true tragedy of a young girl. Then to bring forth facts and reality versus the magical tale it has become.
