Minnesota State University Reporter

Issue date: 3/27/08 Section: Theater and Dance

Media Credit: Andrea Harrell Li'l Bit (Katharine Moeller) undergoes years of sexual abuse from her uncle (Doug Bennett) in "How I Learned To Drive."

The Minnesota State Department of Theatre and Dance will present Paula Vogel's play "How I learned to Drive" tonight through Sunday. The play, performed at the Andreas Theatre, is part of the department's studio season.

"How I learned to Drive" is a mature play about the troubled relationship between Li'l Bit and her Uncle Peck. Many sensitive subjects are touched upon throughout the play, which deals with issues of pedophilia and the struggles of a woman dealing with sexual abuse. It is told from the point of view of Li'l Bit, who is sexually abused by her uncle. The abuse begins at age 11 and continues through high school and beyond. The abuse occurs while Li'l Bit is learning how to drive a car - hence the name of the play.

"It's a memory play," said director John Olive. "It's a play about a woman telling her story through her memories. She is the narrator, and it is her point of view as an adult, telling the story."

The play is told in a non-linear fashion. "The play goes back and forth," Olive said. "[It] interweaves scenes with Li'l Bit's family and uncle."

Olive has been a professional director for more than 30 years, and said he didn't find directing a play about sensitive issues to be tremendously difficult. Having a diverse background, which includes crisis counseling, as well as having the support of women's organizations, has made the entire experience a positive one, he said.

"The audience can learn from the play," Olive said. "Audience members can expect to be educated on situations of sexual abuse and pedophilia."

There will be a discussion with local organizations following the first performance tonight. A panel composed of representatives from the Women's Center, delegates from the Committee Against Domestic Abuse and representatives from the Blue Earth County Sexual Violence Resource Center will be on hand to answer questions. Information about where to go and resources for sexual abuse will be provided during the discussion.

Olive brought in a similar panel to discuss the content of the play with the actors. Katharine Moeller, who plays Li'l Bit, said the panel was there to educate the cast and to talk to them about the subject content.

Olive refers to the play as a bittersweet comedy. "Humor is used to get the message across," he said. "Light is shone in a serious situation."

A unique aspect of the play is its Greek chorus, according to both Olive and Moeller.

"There are three cast members," said Moeller, "who portray a variety of characters." Greek choruses are a tool that have been used for a long time, and in the case of this play, the chorus portray different family members. It's an ancient tool with a modern twist.

"This has been a real learning experience [as an actor]," said Moeller, "as well as a challenging role." Moeller not only plays Li'l Bit from the age of 11 to 35, but also narrates the play, which she said was a challenge she willingly accepted.

As a senior BFA candidate in acting, this is Moeller's last acting performance with MSU. "It is my most challenging and fulfilling show," she said. "It is fulfilling because I am able to apply my education and everything I've learned here to the show."

"How I learned to Drive" runs at 7:30 p.m. through Sunday. Tickets are $7 for MSU students.


Jaime Killion is a Reporter staff writer

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