The Theatre Studies Department at Guilford will stage the play Contractions by award-winning playwright Mike Bartlett beginning March 30.

Contractions is a theatrical eye-opener starring two women in a satirical version of a workplace environment.

Featuring just two characters and running for less than an hour, Contractions takes a hard look at the modern workplace, for better and worse. Emma, who is a newly hired employee in an unnamed sales organization, is called in for an evaluation by an obstinate woman only known as The Manager. The Manager has a duty of caring for the staff, similar to human resource departments. 

Although Emma's work performance is excellent, her personal life is under scrutiny due to her relationship with a coworker named Darren. Emma believes herself to be in love. Her manager believes she's violated the terms of a binding contract and the issue must be resolved. While the play itself does a wonderful job of toeing the line between one's personal life and professionalism, it's metaphorical in its portrayal of the fear-driven environment many businesses operate in. 

The play is directed by Beth Ritson-Lavender, visiting professor of Theatre Studies, and features an eclectic ensemble of student performers. Josie Schoenberg ‘24 will play The Manager alongside an interchangeable cast for the role of Emma. Daniela Lam Oviedo ‘24, Hayley Mawson ‘26, Lahari Pokala ‘25, Hannah Roten ‘26, and Derrick Wilson are cast as Emma for different performances. .      

Contractions opens at Sternberger Auditorium Thursday, March 30, and runs through April 8, on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Tickets range from $2 to $5. Seating will begin at 7 pm, with the play starting at 7:30.