Five women take the stage in Southern Rep’s newest play Eclipsed

Editor’s Note: In celebration of Southern Rep’s newest play, Eclipsed–written by Danai Gurira and directed by Malika Oyetimein–we talked with the five women who will take the stage opening night on April 18. Eclipsed is the story of five women, and their lives are set on a nightmarish detour by the Liberian Civil War. As they navigate the dangers of captivity and imagine what the future could hold, the arrival of a new girl threatens to upend their delicately balanced community.

Southern Rep’s production of Eclipsed will run from April 18- May 16 (Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 PM and Sundays at 3:00 at Loyola University, Marquette Theatre). You can purchase tickets here.

Lauren E. Turner, who plays Rita in Southern Rep’s production of Eclipsed (photo by: Josh Brasted)

Name: Lauren E. Turner

Character played in Eclipse: Rita

Favorite Line from Play: “How long you tink you can mock God before he mock you back?” -Rita

What advice in life would you take from your character?

To stay connected to who you are and what really matters, despite the ups and downs of life.

What ritual do you have to get ready for a performance?

I pray, breathe and remind myself that the performance is not about me but about using my gifts and talents to share the story;  and that I am uniquely designed to do that.

If you could take one piece of the set design with you, what would it be and why?

I would take the palm tree so that on particularly stressful days I could prop myself up underneath.

What was the most common food ordered/eaten during rehearsals?  

For me anything vegan.  And coffee, we consume sooo much coffee!