Theatre to present ‘The Sweet Science of Bruising’ and ‘DIRT’ performances

Panola College theatre will present two special productions of The Sweet Science of Bruising and DIRT, the department’s two entries in the Texas Community College Speech Theatre Association’s Play Festival. On February 22, audiences can enjoy The Sweet Science of Bruising at 10 a.m. followed by DIRT at 2 p.m. Then, on March 2, The Sweet Science of Bruising will be performed at 1 p.m., with DIRT taking the stage at 4 p.m.

The Sweet Science of Bruising, set in London in 1869, follows the lives of four women from different backgrounds who are drawn into the dark underground world of female boxing by the eccentric Professor Sharp. Controlled by men and constrained by corsets, each woman finds a surprising sense of freedom in the boxing ring. The play, written by Joy Wilkinson, offers a glimpse into their lives as they strive toward the same goal: becoming the first lady boxing champion of the world.

Dirt, written by Texas playwright Mandy Conner, tells the story of the Loftin family during the devastating 1935 Dust Bowl in the Texas Panhandle. As drought, dirt, and destruction ravage the land, matriarch Edith works a night job at the post office to help support her household of ten, while her husband struggles to manage their farm with an injured leg and an increasingly troubled eldest son. When the dust storms hit, they suffer a tragic loss within their family and face the collapse of their farm. Reeling from this devastation, Edith must find a way to move forward, grappling with the question of where hope can be found in the midst of such overwhelming disaster.

Kim Funderburk, director of theatre at Panola College, shared her excitement, saying, “We’re absolutely thrilled and invite everyone to come experience these special performances. I’m so proud of the dedication our students have shown in bringing these productions to life.”

Performances will be held in the Q.M. Martin Auditorium on the Panola College campus. Tickets are $10, cash only, and can be purchased at the door before each performance.