Myocardium; Graphite

Myocardium; Graphite 
By Eli Campbell
Directed by Kayla Adams

Dec. 6, 7, 13 & 14
Performances will be held at The Artifactory (where the play is set)

Synopsis: 
Two young women enroll in a figure drawing class at a community center in Iowa City, only to find they’re getting a lot more than they signed up for.

Cast:
Jonie: Kristy Hartsgrove Mooers
Maya: Zoe Hoffenberg
KC: Jennifer Hogan
Ryan: Owen Brightman
Directed by Kayla Adams

Production Team:
Director: Kayla Adams
Associate Director and Workshop Lead: Madonna Smith
Associate Director and Workshop Lead: Matt Brewbaker
Stage Manager: Marisa Rodriguez
Intimacy Coach: Owen Brightman
Properties: Stephen Polchert
Set Design: Kayla Adams, Madonna Smith
Sound Design: Kayla Adams, Marisa Rodriguez
Lighting Design: Kayla Adams
Costume Design: Kayla Adams
Board Operators: Marisa Rodriquez, Chuck Dufano
Production Coordinator: Elisabeth Ross

More About Myocardium; Graphite:

Dreamwell Theatre is proud to present the world premiere of Myocardium; Graphite, by UI MFA candidate, Eli Campbell.

Campbell’s work resonates with us on a deeply human level with humor and honesty. This play is also very personal for us. During the production of Pleasure Play last year, Elisabeth Ross began discussing with Eli what was next, hoping we could work together again. Campbell had chosen to write a site specific play that takes place in the Artifactory’s gallery and performance space. The script was solid but they wanted to workshop it. We were in!

This fall, Madonna Smith and Matthew Brewbaker led a series of workshops exploring the work with the playwright, director, and cast. Jen, Kristy, and Owen had read the work for the University of Iowa Playwrights program in April 2024. Zoe joined us this fall. Director, Kayla Adams is also an MFA candidate at UI. She had heard the staged reading at the play festival and informed Campbell that she hoped to direct it in the future. The future is now! We had a lot of fun, and we learned a lot too. Everyone brought a unique perspective and dynamic to the project. The script lends itself to building community, and we did just that. This is reflected in the quality of the work. We were blown away by the dedication put forth by everyone involved.

The ArtiFactory has been partnering with us on this show since March. Phil Beck has been an invaluable liaison, and has helped us facilitate this project. Eli had full use of the space and was invited to take an art class. Beppie Weiss volunteered her talent to one of our workshops and helped us learn how to draw with graphite. Weiss has generously donated the use of key set pieces and props for this production. We’re thrilled to be joining forces with this exceptional organization.

“It has been an amazing experience. The workshops provided us with fresh perspectives and challenged us in unexpected ways. In the end, Eli didn’t change *that* much…but we think we they nailed it.” -Madonna Smith