The University of Alabama department of theatre and dance presents “Book of Days,” a multi-genre play written by Lanford Wilson and directed by Matt Davis, a second-year graduate student, beginning Monday, Sept. 30, through Sunday, Oct. 6.

The play inspires a theme of community through the actions of its twelve interwoven characters, all played by students at the University.

“What made me want to work on Lanford Wilson’s Book of Days is that there are elements about his work that are ensemble in nature,” Davis said. “When you’re working within a college element, it allows you to really build a sense of ensemble and to allow the actors to really base what they’re doing on action and reaction, and to teach them that many times reaction is just as important as action.”

Alexandra Karr, a senior majoring in telecommunication and film and musical theatre, said she appreciates the guidance she received from Davis, after he cast her as Louann, who she said is a challenging character to play.

“[Davis] will give you a specific direction, but it won’t be specific enough to where you have no influence on your own character,” Karr said. “You have your own decisions to make, but at the same time he kind of just gently pushes you in the right direction.”

Davis said having a receptive and eager cast that was ready to respond to any direction he gave proved to be another gratifying aspect of directing in a collegiate setting.

“It’s new to many of them, but they’re still very open, and they allow themselves to really delve into the work because they want to be the best that they can be,” Davis said.

Michael Vine, a senior majoring in public relations, plays James, a character he found challenging to portray because of the character’s “bad guy” persona that is usually not as well-received by the audience as the “good guy” characters.

“I think that this is a very powerful show about the value and the importance of a community,” Vine said. “When we had the tornado come through two and a half years ago, we realized the value of the Tuscaloosa community. And this show highlights that just as much: the ability of one community to come together in the face of tragedy and pick itself up, and the necessity of the aspect of community.”

Karr and Vine both credit Davis for promoting the strength found in radiating energy, a feature that further united what Karr believes is the “perfect” cast for the play. The energy in rehearsals mirrored the themes of community found in the play, pushing all of the actors to continue to step out of their comfort zones and into their characters.

“It’s seeing how hard [the cast] works and seeing how focused they are and how committed they’ve been; it has made me want to step up my game, and work harder, and be more committed. They have really pushed me, and I could not be more thankful for them,” Vine said.

“Book of Days” will be performed in the Allen Bales Theatre at 7:30 p.m. from Monday, Sept. 30, to Friday, Oct. 4, as well as at both 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 6. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online at theatre.ua.edu or by calling the box office at 205-348-3400. Students may also purchase tickets by visiting the box office in Rowand-Johnson Hall.