The True History of the Tragic Life and Triumphant Life of Julia Pastrana, the Ugliest Woman in the World Program Playbill
The True History of the Tragic Life and Triumphant Death of Julia Pastrana, The Ugliest Woman in the World
Presented by the Center for Fine & Performing Arts at Seminole State College.
Written by - Shaun Prendergast
Director - Josh Jacobs
- November 8 & 9, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.
- November 9 & 10, 2024 at 2 p.m.
- Presented in Le Petit Théâtre, B-127
100 Weldon Blvd., Sanford, FL 32773 - Free Admission.
Reservations Required.
Call Box Office -
407.708.2506
The Center for the Fine and Performing Arts, as an entity within Seminole State College of Florida, a Hispanic and Minority Serving Institution, is committed to provide programming which amplifies diverse and underrepresented voices in the interest of cultural equity and inclusion. An Equal Access/Equal Opportunity College, Fall 2024.
Warning!
- Mature Audiences Only
- Performed in Complete Darkness
- Strong Language
- Adult Situations
- Scents
Welcome to Le Petit Théâtre
Welcome to Le Petit Théâtre and to The True History of the Tragic Life and Triumphant Death of Julia Pastrana The Ugliest Woman of The World by Shaun Prendergast and directed by Joshua Jacobs. I hope you enjoy the way in which we are all challenged by this work, to not only use our imaginations, but also to contemplate and question the notions of beauty and ugliness, of triumph and tragedy. Thank you so much for supporting the arts, and I hope you find your way to our music, art and theatre events throughout the holiday season and in the spring.
College shouldn't be all work and no plays!
~ Michele Cuomo
Dean, Arts and Communication
Director Notes
Julia Pastrana is not a fictional character. I hope you know that she was a real person, just like you and me. These sad events that take place in front of you are true to historical events that happened to her. Sometimes the events in our lives are ugly and they can hurt in the moment, but under the surface, possibly over time, those events become clearer and are easier to learn from. I know everyone has gone through an event in their life that they may not wish upon anybody else. Julia’s life was one of tragedy and strife and I hope you may be able to see you are not alone. I hope you also notice and appreciate there are people in your life who care about you.
This script of Julia Pastrana has been performed only a handful of times in America. There have only been about four other productions of it within the U.S. The True History of the Tragic Life and Triumphant Death of Julia Pastrana, The Ugliest Woman in the World was written by an Englishman, Shaun Prendergast in 2002. So, those of you are seeing this production and thinking this happened long ago, you may be in for a surprise. Julia was embalmed and continued to be displayed after death. Yet, Julia’s body was only recently buried in February of 2013.
Prendergast has a stipulation to his script that it must be performed in the dark. We agree that not being able to see forces the events to be played in your imagination. I have also added some smells to bring the audience more into the action and really feel like they are in the room watching the events taking place.
I believe after experiencing this performance that you may have a better appreciation for living. That you may even look forward to the next chapter of your life. Life is not always bleak, but those moments that are, help you learn from them and become a better you. Days do get better. A new day dawns, and we can face it with fresh breath and an outlook that says, “Today is going to be a good day!”
Thank you,
~Josh Jacbos
Director
About the Author, Shaun Prendergast
Shaun Prendergast born December 5, 1958, is from north Shields, Northumberland, England, UK. He is married to Niki Winterson and has a stepson Domenic and a daughter, Molly. They live in London. Prendergast is a British actor and writer. In 2013 The True History of the Tragic Life and Triumphant Death of Julia Pastrana, the Ugliest Woman in the World was presented at the Brick Theatre in Brooklyn and the Tympanic Theatre in Chicago. Earlier that year, Julia Pastrana’s body had been returned from Oslo to her birthplace in Mexico. An article in The New York Times credited Prendergast’s play as being the inspiration for the campaign to have Julia Pastrana repatriated to her birthplace.
In 2014 Prendergast created the role of DS Holt in Eastenders as well as appearing on stage as the MC in Terry Johnson's Olivier nominated revival of Oh What a Lovely War and filming the role of Morrell in Remainder, a feature film directed by Omar Fast. In 2012-2013 created the role of Robert Bain in Waterloo Road, and has made frequent guest appearances in Casualty, the Bill, Holby, Doctors, Coronation Street, New Tricks, Peak Practice, Soldier Soldier among others. He played Greg Doland in British soap opera Emmerdale, appeared as Chief Supt. Mike Evans in the series Collision, written by Anthony Horowitz. He received a New Yorks Critics Choice award for his performance in A Place of Safety. He has over three hundred radio credits. He was a founder member of Sir Kenneth Branagh's Renaissance Theatre Company appearing on stage, screen and radio and has also made two appearances as a pantomime dame - described on his debut in the Daily Telegraph as 'the finest, funniest pantomime Dame in London.' He has written extensively for the stage, television, radio and film.
“Shaun Prendergast.” Biographies.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 5 Nov. 2024.
<https://www.biographies.net/people/en/shaun_prendergast>.
- Stage Manager: Lily Robertson
- Technical Director: Josh Jacobs
- Set Designer: Josh Jacobs
- Lighting Designer: Josh Jacobs
- Light Board Op: Lily Robertson
- Sound Board Op: Lily Robertson
- Box Office Coordinator: Christine Kindell
- Ushers: Gaby Smith, Roc Cobon-Samayoa, Zen Roberts, Juno Kasner & Hannah Kent
Meet the Cast
Courtney St. John (Julia Pastrana)
Courtney is a student at Seminole State College. You may have seen her in Black Comedy as Clea and in Witches of Shakespeare as a witch. In her free time, she loves to shop and hang out with friends. Courtney is so thankful for this opportunity and hopes you enjoy the show!!
Virgil Grogan (Lent)
Virgil is very excited to be performing Julia Pastrana this season for you! Beginning his Seminole State career in 2021, Virgil has been in many previous shows such as 2024’s rendition of Witches of Shakespeare, The Freeze, and has been a director in both “Lights up on Students!” Events. He hopes you enjoy the show!”
Ethan Ratta (Showman, Chorus, Otto, Doctor & Servant)
Ethan is a veteran actor and has done many shows and characters including Reverend Moore in Footloose and Wadsworth in Clue. This is his eighth production but his second appearance at Seminole State College. Enjoy the Show.
Kristen Robles (Chorus, Mother, Nun & Woman)
Kristen is an emerging actress, currently honing her skills and developing her craft. At 35, she brings life experience and dedication to her journey in the entertainment industry. Though early in her career, Kristen’s passion for storytelling and commitment to growth make her a promising talent. Eager to explore diverse roles and genres, she is steadily building a foundation for a successful career in acting.
Nico Eubanks (Chorus, Countess, Nun & Servant)
This is Nico’s eighth show at Seminole State College! He has previously been lighting designer and board operator for Witches of Shakespeare, props crew for Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, the director, playwright, and the light board operator for the 2024 Lights Up on Students, A Loving Thought, Harold in Black Comedy, Costume crew in Mary Poppins and the Phantom of the Opera, Jess in The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] (again), Jessie in The Freeze, Lady Macbeth/Witch/Lady Anne in Witches of Shakespeare, and Ensemble in Sweeney Todd: the Demon Barber of Fleet Street. Nico would like to thank his mom, Niki Salamon, Josh Jacobs, as well as his friends for supporting him through this production!
Maya Roberts (Chorus, Frazer & Voice)
Maya is new to the world or theatre, having only recently worked backstage on Witches of Shakespeare. In the past, she’s performed self-written monologues and has a background mainly in costume and character makeup. This marks her debut performance as an actress, and she hopes you enjoy the show!
Josh Jacobs (Director, Technical, Set & Lighting Director)
Josh has been the Technical Director of Arts and Communication for Seminole State College since he moved to Florida in July 2018. Before moving here, Josh grew up in Texas where his love for theatre began. He triple-lettered in Theater in High School. He received his associate degree of Arts from Collin College with a focus in technical theater; his Bachelor of Arts with a focus on Technical Direction and Stage Management from the University of Texas at Arlington; and his Masters in Technical Direction from the University of Houston. While he appreciated and enjoyed every college experience and the lifelong lesson he received, the foundation he obtained from Collin College helped set the pathway to where he is today. Josh has also been the set designer and builder for the Dr. Philips Center for the Performing Arts, for their shows such as Chicago, Bring It On, and A Chorus Line. He also has designed scenic elements for other theatres and performance groups outside of Seminole State.
Josh is thankful to Rachel and his daughter Thea for supporting him in his theatrical endeavors. Josh and Rachel are also looking forward to their family growing in February with another daughter! Josh also wants to thank you for coming and hopes you enjoy the show!
Lily Robertson (Stage Manager, Light Board & Sounds Board Operator)
Throughout her high school and college years, Lily has contributed to numerous productions, taking on various backstage roles, including crew, costumes, props, sound, and stage management. Her passion for theatre shines through in every project she undertakes. Lily’s past involvement includes productions such as, The Freeze (Read-through), Lights Up on Students, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] (again), The Freeze, Black Comedy, and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, and Witches of Shakespeare. Lily is so excited for the theatre productions that are soon to come. Enjoy the show!
Cathy Cox (Costume Designer)
Cathy is so glad to be back designing for Seminole State’s Theatre Department. Her costume design and production experience includes: theme parks, print, television, and film for 30 years. Some of her clients include Anheuser Busch, Chevy, Coke, Discovery Channel, Fox, Life Magazine, Mattel, and Walt Disney World. This Rollins College Theatre program graduate has been designing for Seminole State College since fall of 2015. She loves the students and faculty and is inspired by their knowledge and enthusiasm. Cathy would like to dedicate this show to her late husband Fr John Cox who had always been so supportive of all her career projects.
Juno Kasner (Usher)
This is Juno’s second production at Seminole State College, and they’re thrilled to work alongside such an incredible team. They have previously served as sound board operator in Witches of Shakespeare and were on the set and prop crew in Mary Poppins at Seminole County Performing Arts, which was their favorite show. They would like to thank their friends for supporting them.
Christine Kindell (Box Office Coordinator)
Christine, a dedicated Seminole State College alumni, brings years of experience to the theatre department. In her diverse roll as both the box office and fine arts coordinator, as well as the driving force behind the department’s social media presence, she has refreshed our online participation. Her reliable commitment to students, peers, and the department is evident in her consistent willingness to go the extra mile. Christine participated in Seminole State College's Leadership Academy and is currently involved in Women Moving Forward, on the Career Service Council, and participated in many committees. Enjoy the show!
Your Experience
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Harriett Lake - Seminole State College Theatre's Benefactor
Harriett Lake’s philanthropic influence is evident throughout Central Florida. Not only was she a cheerleader for the arts, but a funder as well. Because of her support, Seminole State’s theatre program will continue to reap the benefits of her generosity for years to come.
Seminole State acknowledges with gratitude the $500,000 gift from Harriett Lake in 2015 that is now an endowed fund, honoring her legacy as reflected in the daily arts activity of the many students and patrons who attend theatre productions at the Seminole State College of Florida.
Harriett Lake grew up in a small town in western Pennsylvania, served in the Marines during the Second World War, and moved to Florida after the war. When she met her husband HY there, they moved to Central Florida, where Hy was a developer. They made much of their money together developing land in Central Florida. The couple jointly donated vast sums to local Jewish temples and other nonprofit organizations. HY passed away in 2010, but by then Harriett was a reigning philanthropist. There are more than 25 sites in Central Florida that bear Harriett’s name. She passed away in 2018.
“I am the keeper of the arts alive, because somebody has to do it, and I now think of myself as an occupation.” – Harriett Lake
Support-an-Actor
Join us in celebrating this show and The Center for Fine & Performing Arts. With your help and donation, you will be making a HUGE impact on our theatre students to pursue their dreams. Your contribution will assist with classes, books, replenish lumber, tools, costumes and props-everything needed to guarantee the show goes on. Thank you for your continued support.
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