NORTH ADAMS, MASS. — Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) Theatre will debut “The Left Hand of Darkness” this weekend as a developmental workshop in conjunction with Associate Professor of Theatre, Laura Standley, her directing students, and the Theatre Lab.  

The show dates are Dec. 2 at 8 p.m., Dec. 3 at 8 p.m., and Dec. 4 at 2 p.m. in MCLA’s Venable Theatre. 

“The Left Hand of Darkness” is a developmental workshop adaptation of the 1969 novel by Ursula K. Le Guin.

“In Brown’s book, she talks about being inspired by science fiction to develop her strategies because of how it presents ‘more viable futures.’ For students in directing class, adapting a work of science fiction allows us to ‘practice the future together’ on a piece that shows a vision of a better world. That way, hopefully, they might leave MCLA ready to heal our institutions and create new ways of making theatre,” Laura Standley said.  

According to a press release, through the process of adaptation, directing students to explore different areas of interest, such as space, movement, sound, etc., to delve deep into questions they have about contemporary theatre practice and create more sustainable futures for the theatre industry. This is done in part through a social justice lens, particularly through lessons drawn from Adrienne Maree Brown’s book, “Emergent Strategy.” 

More information and tickets to “The Left Hand of Darkness” can be found at https://bit.ly/3gItunB.