COLORADO SPRINGS, CO – (Feb. 4, 2025)– The Fine Arts Center Theatre Company is excited to announce its world premiere production of “In Her Bones,” a compelling new play written by Jessica Kahkoska. Directed by Rebecca Martinez, this gripping performance will run from February 13 to March 2, 2025, on the FAC mainstage.
“In Her Bones” was developed through a multi-year, community-responsive research process exploring crypto-Judaism in the San Luis Valley, with stories and insights gathered from over 30 oral history interviews. This play has been supported by Southern Colorado Repertory Theatre, WAM Theatre, and The Denver Center for the Performing Arts, where it was featured in the 2020 Colorado New Play Summit. Kahkoska’s work on the play has also been supported by the Marsico Visiting Scholarship at the University of Denver.
“‘In Her Bones’ is a play that was launched and developed in Colorado, so it is incredibly meaningful to have its world premiere production at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center,” said Kahkoska, a Colorado native. “The FAC has been an artistic home for me since I was 11 years old, and we’re especially thrilled to partner with the Center for Southwest Studies at Colorado College as we continue to explore thematic questions about people, places, and landscapes of the San Luis Valley.”
The play follows Mia, a UC Berkeley first-year student, who is stranded at a rural gas station in Southern Colorado during a snowstorm. As she passes the time with Moises, the store owner, an unexpected world of hidden family secrets, forgotten prayers, and long-buried history slowly emerges. This powerful play examines the complicated legacy of faith, identity, and the passing of cultural traditions when written records are too dangerous to keep.
“My family has roots in the San Luis Valley and I’ve heard stories of the area for much of my life,” said Martinez. “One of the things that drew me to work on ‘In Her Bones’ was the community-facing writing process that Jessica used to craft this piece. The characters in this play are fictional, but their experiences come with permission from San Luis Valley residents who want to make their stories known.”
Chris Sheley, FAC Producing Artistic Director, is elated for the world premiere, “I’m excited that our first world premiere is in partnership with The Hulbert Center for Southwest Studies at Colorado College. To offer both a show for our community at large and also a show for our academic community is extremely important.”
Exploring themes of heritage, identity, and the inherited burdens of family history, the show is an essential experience for anyone who has ever wondered from where their identity truly comes. With original music and a stunning design team, this world premiere promises to be an unforgettable theatrical event.
The cast for “In Her Bones” features Laura Crotte, making her FAC stage debut as Raquel; Marlene Montes, last seen on the FAC stage as Odessa/Haikumom in “Water by the Spoonful,” playing Lea; Mayela Barrera, also making her FAC stage debut as Mia; Bobby Plasencia, debuting at FAC as Moises; and Colten Pratt, who was last seen on the FAC stage as Fountainhead in “Water by the Spoonful,” portraying Outsiders.
The artistic team includes Rebecca Martinez (director), Chris Sheley (scenic design), Lux Haac (costume design), Holly Rawls (lighting design), Tosin Olufolabi (sound design), Kate Freer (projection design), Julian Mesri (composer), Kristen Wickersheim (stage manager), and Liz Lee (assistant stage manager).
TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets start at $27 for Wednesday performances and standard seats. Reserve online at fac.coloradocollege.edu or call the box office at (719) 634-5583.
Discounts are available for groups of ten or more, as well as military service members. Contact the box office for details.
College students from any educational institution can purchase tickets the day of the performance for $15. Colorado College students receive free tickets the day of the performance. Tickets subject to availability and must be picked up in person at the FAC with a school ID or CC Gold Card.
Museum admission: Ticketholders receive free admission to Fine Arts Center Museum. Museum hours and information about current exhibitions are available online.
ABOUT THE FAC THEATRE COMPANY
The award-winning FAC Theatre Company produces an annual season of innovative and exciting theatrical productions and is committed to creating stories that heal, uplift, educate and enlighten in a thoughtful and inclusive environment.
Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College
The story of the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College (FAC) begins with the founding of the Broadmoor Art Academy 1919. A museum, performing arts theatre, and community art school, the FAC is a pillar in the cultural community of the Rocky Mountain West providing innovative, educational, and multi-disciplinary arts experiences designed to elevate the individual spirit and inspire community vitality. For more information about the FAC, visit fac.coloradocollege.edu or follow on Facebook @CSFineArtsCenter.
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