Winner of the 1993 Obie award for playwriting, “Marisol” by Jose Rivera comes to Ashland University this month.

“Marisol” is about a woman who lives in New York as a copy editor for a local publisher. One night, after being viciously attacked, her guardian angel tells her that he must stop being her guardian in order to participate against a revolution opposing a dying god.

The play deals with themes such as letting go of selfishness in order to be compassionate towards others.

The show is being co-directed by senior Lauren Yobbagy and Theater Department Chair Teresa Durbin-Ames.

“‘Marisol’ is not just a play, but a call to action,” Yobaggy said. “This is a modern work of art that challenges the audience to not simply be passive observers, but rather become active participants in their world.”

Both directors commented on the show and why they believe it is important to see.

“I think that the material will give the audience something to think about the world we live in today and what our role is to make the world a better place,” Durbin-Ames said.

Yobaggy spoke of the messages that the play carries.

“People should see the show because it is a powerful commentary on modern issues: social injustice, poverty, war and homelessness,” she said.

Aside from this show being a part of the theater department’s main season, this is also Yobaggy’s senior project.

She commented on her experiences as a student director.

“The process has been very educational, challenging, fun and a dream come true,” she said.

“I am very grateful to my co-director (Durbin-Ames), the cast, designers, stage managers and crew for all of their hard work,” Yobaggy said.

According to the co-directors, the show is approaching its final rehearsals and they feel that it is in a good place.

“[The show] still has two weeks of tech before opening night,” Durbin-Ames said. “It’s going to grow a lot between now and then.”

In the lead up to opening night, everyone is working hard to make the show as great as possible.

“The actors are ready for opening night and are happy to be helping the designers, stage managers and crew throughout the technical process,” Yobaggy said.

The show will be playing from Nov. 11-20 at 7:30 p.m. and at 2 p. m. November 21.

Tickets are $2 for students, $10 for adults and $9 for seniors and can be purchased at the University Box Office in the Center for the Arts or by calling 419-289-5125. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased before the show.