12 Ophelias to be Presented by North Central Texas College
Denton, TX – The Theatre Department at North Central Texas College will present 12 Ophelias (a play with broken songs) by Caridad Svich this spring at the Denton Black Box Theatre.
A bold and lyrical feminist reimagining of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, 12 Ophelias follows a resurrected Ophelia as she emerges from the water and reclaims her voice in a surreal Appalachian landscape. Blending poetic language, haunting music, and Southern folklore, the play explores identity, resistance, and the power of rewriting old stories.
The production is directed by NCTC Technical Theatre Director Missy Embrey, now in her sixth year with the college. “12 Ophelias is such an interesting piece because it plays with the notion of how we speak to each other—what we actually say versus what we truly mean,” says Embrey. “There’s so much unsaid vocally in this piece that is communicated through action. That layered communication is part of what makes it so emotionally resonant.”
Embrey also sees the play as a powerful educational tool. “I love the whimsical and ethereal twist on Hamlet. It’s an approachable way to introduce our students to classical theatre. Ophelia is remembered for her tragic end, but in this piece, she gets to make a different choice.”
With renovations underway at NCTC’s main performance space in Gainesville, the show will be staged in the Denton Black Box Theatre. “This play is perfect for the intimacy of the Black Box,” Embrey adds. “We can fully transform the space and give the audience an immersive experience.”
12 Ophelias (a play with broken songs) runs Apr. 25-May 4, 2025 at the NCTC’s Denton Black Box Theatre with evening performances at 7:30pm on Apr. 25-26 & May 2—3 and a matinee performance at 2:30pm on May 4. For performance times, tickets and more, visit https://nctc12ophelias.eventbrite.com
About 12 Ophelias (a play with broken songs)
12 Ophelias (a play with broken songs) is produced by special arrangement with Theatrical Rights Worldwide. The script was workshopped at Powerhouse Theater/New York Stage and Film, and later at New Georges, and Red Bull Theater in New York City. It was presented at Baruch Performing Arts Center in New York City under the direction of Debbie Saivetz in April 2004, with original music composed by the author with Michael Escamilla and Michael Gladis. The play received its professional premiere in a site-responsive production by Woodshed Collective at McCarren Park Pool in July 2008.
About the North Central Texas College
NCTC is the oldest continuously operating 2-year college in Texas. We offer 7-locations are conveniently located throughout North Central Texas in Gainesville, Denton, Corinth, Flower Mound, Bowie, Graham, and Champions Circle. With more than 7,000 students, NCTC offers associate degrees, certificates, and transferable credits, as well as Career, Tech and Trade skills, Health Sciences, Continuing Education, and Dual Credit programs.
Contact
Missy Embrey
Technical Director of Drama, North Central Texas College
membrey@nctc.edu