NEWS RELEASE

Contact: Leah Jackson (jacksonl@nsula.edu )
News Bureau
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, LA 71497
(318) 357-6466

11/10/2004

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NATCHITOCHES-Northwestern State University theatre major Mary Watson describes Judith, the character she plays in Neil Coward's "Hey Fever" as "absolutely fabulous." As an actress playing an actress, Watson found the character easy to project.

"Because she switches into her actress mode, it's easy to slip into the role," Watson said. "I think actors and actresses slip into character during everyday conversation."

"Hay Fever" is about the self-absorbed Bliss family who spend a holiday weekend together. Each family member has invited an unsuspecting romantic prospect without informing the others. When rain traps the family and their guests indoors, the situation becomes chaotic.

"It's a comedy, but her main issue is Judith is somewhat empty," Watson said. "She's kind of sad. She doesn't get gratification in a relationship with anyone other than her family because they're the only people who can relate to her."

Watson is a senior from Farmington, Mo., who did some acting in high school. A percussionist, she came to Northwestern as a music major before changing her major to acting. She played Jean Louise Finch in "To Kill A Mockingbird" and Cora in "The Rimers of Eldritch," drastically different characters than her role in "Hay Fever." Watson also portrayed Mona in "Dames at Sea" and just finished playing Antigone in "Oedipus Rox."

"Judith is a lot more fun," she commented.

After graduation, Watson plans to pursue acting and is deliberating whether to begin working regionally or enroll in a graduate program. She identified Dr. Roger Held, artistic director for Northwestern Theater, as a mentor. Held is director for "Hey Fever."

"He's taken a lot of students under his wing," she said. "He makes time to work with people individually."

"Hey Fever will run Nov. 10-13 in Theatre West. Admission is $5 for the general public and free for NSU students with an ID. For ticket information, call (318) 357-5814.

Main Menu