The stage lights at Guilford College’s Sternberger Auditorium will rise Thursday, November 6, on Witch by Jen Silverman — a play that bends time, language and expectation in the way only theatre can. The production, which begins at 7:30 pm, will run through Nov. 15 (Thursdays through Saturdays).

Set in 1658 but pulsing with modern energy, Witch reimagines the politics, absurdities and relationships of a world caught between old certainties and new ideas. It’s a sharp, funny and provocative story about people trying to make sense of truth, faith and freedom — themes that resonate as clearly in the 21st century as they did in the 17th. Silverman’s writing moves effortlessly between the poetic and the colloquial, asking the audience to see the present reflected in the past.

“It has this wonderful anachronistic sense of being,” says Visiting Assistant Professor of Theatre Studies Beth Ritson-Lavender, who is overseeing the production. “It’s set in 1658, but the dialogue sounds like something you’d hear in the hallway today. It’s clever, challenging and perfect for our students.”

Beth says she invited several guest directors to propose plays for the fall season and was immediately drawn to this one. “I read all four scripts Emily sent me, and they were all spot-on for our students,” she says. “But this one — the challenge, the energy, the mix of old and new — it just clicked. I thought it would be great fun for the students to work on.”

The cast is a lively cross-section of the Guilford community: three theatre majors, one theatre minor, one guest actor from N.C. A&T, and another from the Greensboro community. Behind the scenes, the set was built by students in Skip’s theatre production class — many of them first-year students and even a few football players — who are learning that creativity and teamwork look a lot like building a world from the ground up.

“You know, we’re a liberal arts college,” Beth says, laughing. “Everyone talks about a ‘well-rounded education.’ Well, we’re the round. We put the rounded into that education.”

She’s seen it firsthand. In last year’s production of The Trials, most of the 12 actors were new to the stage. Two of them were so inspired by the experience they came back for Witch. That’s what’s special here. If you’ve ever wanted to be in a play, direct one, write one or even just do props — we’ll make it happen. We mean it when we say that.”

After weeks of rehearsals, the students are ready — or as ready as actors ever feel. “You’re never really ready,” says Beth. “But their energy in the first dress rehearsal was outstanding. They’ve become cohesive, and now what they need most is an audience.”