Ouachita Stories

The Department of Theatre Arts in Ouachita Baptist University’s School of Performing Arts will present “This Random World” from Thursday through Sunday, Nov. 5-8, in Verser Theatre. Performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, with matinees at 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.  

Written by Steven Dietz, “This Random World” intertwines comedy and heartbreak while exploring its subtitle, “The Myth of Serendipity.” Directed by John Forkner, assistant professor of theatre arts, the production examines the unexpected connections between people and the missed opportunities that can shape their lives. According to Forkner, the show primarily features two-person scenes, allowing the cast and production team to focus on the performances and create something special.

“Our hope is that the audience walks away from ‘This Random World’ really thinking about the coincidences they experience and whether they are just random accidents,” Forkner said. “The audience gets a unique perspective in this play. They get the ‘God’s-eye view’ and can see how everything is connected; that these characters are all just one degree of separation from each other.” 

Forkner shared his hope that, through the play, the audience will consider how this view may shape the way they see themselves and others, including those on campus who may seem like strangers but are connected in ways they have yet to recognize.

Steven Hibbard, a junior computer science major from Crossett, Arkansas, portrays Tim Ward, a 25-year-old trying to make ends meet who accidentally fakes his own death. Hibbard said one of the most meaningful aspects of the show is its exploration of grief and loss.  

“After tragedy or trauma, it seems like life should be different, but everything else keeps turning, and only you are changed,” Hibbard said. “The way the show folds that into its theme is truly meaningful.”  

Forkner said the production’s small connections offer audiences something new to discover with each viewing.  

“I would describe the show with the phrase ‘just one more word,’” Hibbard said. “There are so many times when one more word would bring everything together, but it’s never said.” 

Tickets range from $8-10 and can be purchased at obu.edu/boxoffice or on weekdays from 1-5 p.m. at the Ouachita Box Office in Jones Performing Arts Center. Ouachita students may receive one free ticket with their university ID. For more information, contact the box office at 870-245-5555.  

Cast:  

• Jennie Higdon, a senior musical theatre major from Washington, Oklahoma, as Beth Ward 

• Steven Hibbard, a junior computer science major from Crossett, Arkansas, as Tim Ward 

• Hadley Gilmore, a senior musical theatre major from Van Buren, Arkansas, as Scottie Ward 

• Abbi Brewer, a sophomore theatre education and history double major from Glenwood, Arkansas, as Bernadette 

• Tennessee Suiter, a freshman musical theatre major from Owasso, Oklahoma, as Gary 

• Avery Higgins, a freshman musical theatre major from Woodway, Texas, as Claire  

• Cadence Cowan, a sophomore theatre education major from Springfield, Missouri, as Rhonda

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• School of Performing Arts
• Theatre Arts