Behind the Curtains: Theatre production sparks outrage and community disapproval

Some cast and crew members were thankful when the final lines of the latest Loyola production rang through Marquette Theatre on closing night, ready for this addition to their resume to be over and move on with their lives.

Loyola’s Theatre and Arts wrapped production of professor Ann Mahoney’s original play, “God Help Them If We Wake Up” on Nov. 18. But students involved with the production expressed discomfort both on the stage and behind the scenes.

Issues arose in several aspects of the play and production process, including what cast and crew members criticized as a negatively stereotyped Native American character, stories of students fainting backstage, and some advisors ignoring concerns, causing some students to lose their love for the production all together.