Name: Shari Roehl

Role: Director

Last seen in: Stage Manager for 9 to 5: The Musical at Sheboygan Theatre Company, Director for Shirley Valentine

Extremities was written and performed in the early 1980s. Is the subject matter still relevant today? How has the conversation about rape & assault changed in the last 20 years?

This subject matter is extremely relevant. The Extremities characters bring to life the current way we deal with assault and its victims: make up a story that will be believed, if you have no marks it isn’t assault, offenders don’t get prosecuted as often as they should, women ask for it. It is truly a shame that assault [victims] suffer this kind of assault.

Without giving anything away, what’s your favorite line of dialogue from the play?

“What do people do with things in a fireplace?”

“Hey, wait a minute…..”

This exchange gives the audience a chance to giggle.

How is this show different from other shows you’ve done?

The major difference between Extremities and Shirley Valentine is that there is more opportunities to laugh in Shirley. The subject matter is virtually the same, women don’t have to just be the victims in their lives. Both plays [are] very thought provoking in many ways.

What is the audience going to be thinking about as they drive home after seeing this show?

I hope they leave thinking what would I have done if it were me? I hope this discussion is was she right/justified? Ultimately, I want reflection on how to treat each others better, all around.

What would you say to someone who is on the fence about buying a ticket to Extremities?

You need to see this show, as difficult as the subject matter is. Good theatre can entertain and make you think at the same time. This is GOOD theatre!

Extremities runs October 23-25 at 7:30 p.m. at the Paradigm Annex. Tickets are available now online or in person at Paradigm Coffee & Music. This show contains mature themes and is intended for an adult audience.