Senior Molly Murphy has a big role this month with the SMU Meadows Theatre. Taking on the director’s position of a theater production is no easy task, but that’s just what she’s done. Starting on Feb. 25, Murphy will direct the first Meadows performance of “Intimate Apparel,” by playwright Lynn Nottage.

“A lot of time and practice goes into directing the play,” Murphy states, “but I have a real connection with the story.”

Senior Bianca Denis plays the character Esther, a 35-year-old black seamstress living in New York during 1905. She is well known for the beautiful lingerie she makes for prostitutes and common society women. Romance develops between her and two other men; one works as a laborer on the Panama Canal and the other, is a Jewish merchant who sells her fabrics. The story explores the every-day struggles Esther faces as a former slave who tries to make a better life for herself during the Migration Movement in America.

Nottage bases Esther’s character on her great-grandmother. Although she doesn’t know much of her history, she gives her own interpretation of her life from photographs and stories.

Denis, in her first large role outside of high school productions, is inspired by Esther’s character. She auditioned for the part because she is drawn to her strong, compassionate nature.

“She is such a beautiful character, and portrays the strong type of person every woman wants to be,” she said.

With only six characters in the play, Murphy believes it will pose a great challenge for the actors, but will be a success nevertheless.

“Overall, we chose the play because of how it is written. It’s very tightly structured, which is exactly what we want. It’s also such a rich, beautiful play with amazing characters and costumes,” she says.

Ah, yes, the costumes.

Both Murphy and Denis rave about the quality of the fabrics and costumes, which are brought in from New York. Their realistic nature and stunning beauty are supposed to be the highlight of the show.

“You won’t be disappointed,” says Denis.

Meadows had planned on performing the production last year, but another close by venue beat them to the punch. According to the SMU Meadows Calendar, “Intimate Apparel” has won five national awards for best play, one of which is the prestigious New York Drama Critics Circle Award.

For more information, call 214-768-ARTS