The hippie counterculture of the 1960s will make a comeback with the theatre department's production of "Hair." For director Karen Kessler, working with the themes of controversy, contention and struggle is a way to express issues still relevant in society today.
Kessler said she enjoys productions with more serious subject matter, which is exactly what "Hair" has to offer, along with excitement and humor.
"If there's a dark, ugly play around here, I'll be the one directing it," she said.
The musical will open at 7:30 p.m. today in University Theatre.
Kessler said productions like "Hair" relate to life because they encompass the crucible of the future and the questions that every person asks themselves at some point in their lives: Who will I turn out to be and what will I become?
"When people are balanced on that knife's edge and it can go so many ways, I love to see the choices that they make ... it's fascinating," Kessler said.
She said that is what "Hair" is all about: young people living in a world they do not understand with a future that is just as unclear.
"If you think about the multitude of people who come to this point in their lives, Hair's story never stops being timely."
Kessler said she also enjoys the controversial themes presented in "Hair," and how the liberal ideals conveyed throughout the musical correlate with her own beliefs. Kessler had not directed a musical for six years, so when the opportunity arose for her to direct "Hair," she readily accepted.
"I remembered it so fondly and have always appreciated its political message," Kessler said. "There is a kind of passivity among the younger generation. I want to introduce them to a generation that is not passive but instead, insists on change."
Before she turned 10 years old, Kessler went with her parents to see the musical while it was on tour in Chicago. Kessler said she remembers being in love with theater even at this age, and that "Hair" possessed something that no other media had offered her thus far.
Kessler said she was taken aback by the nudity revealed throughout the production, but was still able to feel the magic "Hair" held for its audiences.
"Although I was too young to articulate [the importance of 'Hair'] at the time, my parents ... bought the vinyl album, and my siblings and I soon knew every song by heart," she said.
Third-year student Jaclyn Hennell first experienced "Hair" on Broadway this spring in New York City. Similar to Kessler, she said it was a moment in her life she would want to remember.
Hennell, who will be playing the lead female role of Shelia in "Hair," said she was overjoyed at the news that "Hair" would be coming to Ball State's campus.
"It is one of the most radical musicals I have seen performed here," Hennell said. "'Hair' makes you laugh, cry, connect and care."
The performance of "Hair" at Ball State is momentous because it will be the first time nudity has been allowed on the University Theatre stage. This is a major breakthrough for directors like Kessler as well as for students involved in future productions.
Hennell said she had no reservations with the nudity presented in "Hair," even though it is something unlike her everyday persona. She said this musical brought out a different side of her.
"There must be trust within the cast for nudity to take place. We all believe in why we are getting naked. It is one of the most liberating experiences I've ever had," she said.
When questioning the production's interaction with its audience, Hennell assures that the many themes of the musical will provoke and inspire people of the older and younger generations alike. Older generations can remember the '60s, and in younger people, the production will provoke genuine thoughts about their purpose in life.
"It is very exciting because there are so many parallels [in the musical] with what's going on in our world today, and ... the underlying themes of love, acceptance and peace offer something every person can relate to," she said.
Hennell said she is thrilled for friends and family to see the musical.
"I think they are even coming dressed as hippies ... I'm really stoked about it," she said.
Hennell said she hopes the musical's theme is evident for its audience.
"Don't walk away from this musical thinking it was only about sex, drugs and alcohol," she said. "Come with an open mind. Feel the movement."
Kessler said she is also pleased at the way the message is conveyed by the actors onstage.
"There is something about the message of the play that says question authority and question the status quo," she said. "But do it with heart and a genuine belief that things can get better."
Kessler said she thinks "Hair" will appeal to all generations because everyone can relate to the current events taking place in our country.
"With the economy, the wars and the deep split between left and right parties, many of the themes of 'Hair' are evident in today's society," she said.
Kessler said while every generation believes they will change the world, they must move the ball in increments, never winning a total victory. Nevertheless, just challenging the status quo makes the world a better place, she said.
"Although the play may not provide the answer, it helps us ask within ourselves, the deepest of human questions," Kessler said, "...and people just dig the music too."
Go see "Hair"
Lyrics by James Rado and Gerome Ragni
Music by Galt MacDermot
Sept. 24-26, Sept. 29-30, Oct. 1-3 at 7:30 p.m.Sept. 27 at 2:30 p.m.
Directed by Karen Kessler
Musical direction by Alex Kocoshis
Choreography by Christie Zimmerman
Tickets: $15 general public, $13 students
Call the box office at (765) 285-8749
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