PRIDE NIGHT at THE MOORS

Queer theatre refers to a specific genre of theatre that is by, for, and about the LGTBQ+ community. These kinds of shows take queer stories of all types and put them center stage. They are stories focused on the queer experience, with all of its complexities. These are not shows with a token “gay best friend” just written in for comedic effect, and are instead working to create representation for the LGBTQ+ community on stage and by extension in the communities in which these shows are performed. 

We can safely say that The Moors fits into this category of queer theatre. As the story twists, true romantic feelings develop between two of the female characters. They begin to form a relationship of sorts, but many things get in their way. The play allows audiences to see and think about what historical queer relationships might have looked like. These relationships certainly looked different than what we now think of as a “normal” relationship, and that is even more true for this play, but that does not make them any less real or important. Queer people have existed throughout history. We are just now getting to a place where we can openly recognize that. 

Now, this is not a first for Saint Mary’s College of California Theatre Program. The college has a long history of engaging with queer theatre. An important example is Lorca in a Green Dress, which was performed at the college in 2006. The show focuses on the struggles of Spanish poet, Federico García Lorca, coming to terms with his sexuality and deals with the dangers the LGBTQ+ community faces. It is a story that requires a certain level of nuance and delicacy that Saint Mary’s was able to take on and ultimately receive national recognition for. The production was invited to perform at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC as part of the American College Theater Festival. Another important example of queer theatre at Saint Mary’s was the 2010 production of Angels in America. This show takes place during the height of the AIDS crisis in the 80s and the play does not shy away from all of the emotions and heartache that comes with that. It openly displays queer relationships, the toll of illness, bigotry, and even includes sexual content. All of which was performed on the Saint Mary’s stage over fifteen years ago. 

Since then, there have been countless productions engaging with the LGBTQ+ community, from Cabaret to The Excavation of Mary Anning to original works in Theatre Capstone Project Take.Up.Space to now The Moors. Queer theatre at Saint Mary’s is not revolutionary, but it is very important. As a queer person, I want to know that there are spaces on campus that not only accept the LGBTQ+ community but want to openly celebrate it. When speaking to other students, many agreed with this sentiment. Bruno (he/they) said, “It feels very fulfilling to be in a piece of queer theatre on campus because I get to be a part of queer representation on campus, which I feel we need more of,” and Kate Barker (she/any) stated that “It makes me feel seen, but not in a ‘this school is fulfilling requirements’ way but in a ‘queer relationships are normal and just happen’ way.” We need spaces for queer people. Spaces where we can feel represented and welcomed. 

In this spirit, the 2026-2027 theatre capstone students, in collaboration with PRIDE Club and Theatre Club, are hosting Pride Night at The Moors on Thursday, October 30th. Students will be able to get into the 8 PM show for FREE with their student ID. We will then have a post-show reception in the LeFevre Theatre Lobby with desserts, drinks (non-alcoholic), and discussion. We hope this gives the queer community a space to gather, talk, and appreciate queer theatre together!

In-Person Performance Dates in LeFevre Theatre: 

Wednesday, October 28th, 8:00 PM (post-show senior toast with non-alcoholic sparkling cider)
Thursday, October 29th, 8:00 PM (post-show PRIDE NIGHT)
Friday, October 30th, 4:00 PM
Saturday, October 31st, 2:00 PM
Sunday, November 1st, 2:00 PM

E-tickets: FREE for SMC students thanks to the Student Experience Fee and the Arts Are Alive! Initiative (show ID at the door, no prior reservations needed); $15 SMC faculty, staff, and non-SMC students; $20 general (plus ticketing fees at the door and online).
Tickets (for everyone except SMC students) are available for purchase online at https://www.stmarys-ca.edu/moors and should be reserved at least 24 hours prior to performance. A limited number of tickets are available at the Box Office 30 minutes before curtain.  Information: 925-631-4670 or tms8@stmarys-ca.edu