UCR TFDP

On Sunday June 21, Bella Merlin, Miles Anderson and UCR production manager Ben Tusher fly to Munich, to perform as part of the 100th anniversary of the Theatre Studies department at the Ludwig-Maximilian University. This invitation came from Professor Dr. David Roesner, the sound designer/composer for TILLY NO-BODY, whose mother (and celebrated author), Margret Greiner, originally helped them with archival research on the Wedekinds and translations of Tilly’s autobiography. Taking Tilly’s story back to her final resting place in Munich feels very poignant.

Bella writes:

“While Tilly’s husband Frank Wedekind is extremely well-known throughout Europe and theatre circles, Tilly’s story is far less familiar. I’m excited for the post-show discussions and to understand how it will resonate for audiences having Tilly’s experience foregrounded, as part of our ongoing intent to give voice to women’s stories...My own experience of domestic violence in my 20s has always been complicated to navigate. Yet through TILLY NO-BODY - and the encouragement of Sheva Carr, CEO of Heart Ambassadors and the Fyera Foundation - it has become evident that Tilly’s story (informed by my own experiences as an actress and woman) resonates with people in all kinds of unexpected and illuminating ways. We all have serious work to do as theatrical storytellers.”

Shortly after Munich the show heads to London for the three-week run at the Arcola Theatre. Book your tickets now at our Linktree!

Prior to opening night, Bella and Miles will be part of the BBC Radio show, “The Make A Difference Show” with Gaby Roslin Sunday July 5. They will discuss the ways in which live theatre provides a medium for sharing stories and making connections to those parts of people’s lives that are not always easy to voice.

(Image: Wikicommons)

UCR’s Department of Theatre, Film, and Digital Production presents…

PLAYWORKS
By UCR Undergraduate and MFA Playwrights

May 26-27, 2026
Tuesday and Wednesday, 7:00 PM
Studio Theatre

Premiere productions exploring issues and textures of contemporary life by the best UCR student playwrights. A different slate of work is scheduled for each performance. More information can be found on our Linktree.

Free and open to the public.

Some plays may contain adult subject matter, sexual situations, and strong language.

MAY 26 | 7:00 PM
POWER PLAY written by Colin Loveland | directed by Winter Johnson
SHIRTBOX written by Hayden Harbison | directed by Isabella Singley
AN ENCOUNTER WITH DEATH written by Kane Austen | directed by Cole Taylor
THE KING COBRA written by Giara Naomi Lopez | directed by Lance Mack
IRONCLAD written by A.K. Ronin | directed by Isabella Singley, assistant director: Ira Jimenez
FIGHTING FOR FREEDOM written by Lance Mack | directed by Nikolas Bolivar
SALMON written by Daniella Lau | directed by River Burnash
FOR THE ONES WE LOVE written by Winter Johnson | directed by Sebastian Ocampo
GOD LEFT US IN THE DARK written by Kellin James | directed by Yari Reyes Vaquedano
BLOOD AND THORNS OF THE PAST written by Alex Corral | directed by Sebastian Ocampo
FEELS LIKE HOME written by Sebastian Ocampo| directed by Jocelyn Gordillo

MAY 27 | 7:00 PM
PETER & MR. SMEE written by Maya Salem | directed by Kimberly Guerrero
CUSTARD SPEAKS! written by Gabby Chavez | directed by Paige Goodwin
PROXIMITY written by Cecilia Zugel | directed by Emma Howard
RATS written by Baylee Muise | directed by Donatella Galella
I’VE ALWAYS WANTED TO BE A GHOST! written by Samuel Stein | directed by Rickerby Hinds
THE SILENCE BETWEEN THE NOTES written by Matthew Harmon | directed by Maya Salem
SPAM written by Ammie Jergenson | directed by Matthew Harmon
MOUTHFEEL written by Emma Howard | directed by Paige Goodwin
INFINITE PAPERCLIPS written by Artur Pereira | directed by Joshua Malkin
LIGHTS, CAMERA, BLAST OFF! written by Emma Winiarski | directed by Gabby Chavez