Audiences at PennWest California will soon have the opportunity to experience a powerful and thought-provoking theatrical production.

The University Players will present “The White Rose” by Lillian Groag, with performances scheduled for 7 p.m. February 26-28 and 2 p.m. February 28 in Steele Hall’s Blaney Theatre. A special school performance will also be held at 10 a.m. on February 26.

Directed by California Theatre alumna Amanda Rhoades, the production tells the gripping story of a group of students in Nazi Germany who risked everything to resist hatred and oppression.

Based on historical events, the play follows the students’ efforts to secretly distribute leaflets calling for resistance, along with their arrest, interrogation and ultimate fate. Even when faced with certain death, the characters affirm the value of life while refusing to abandon their convictions.

For Sabrina Hykes-Davis, technical director for the production and assistant professor in the Department of Visual and Performing Arts, the story resonates strongly with today’s students.

“I think this story is important to tell because we are trying to show our students that the world isn’t something that just happens to them,” Hykes-Davis said. “Even though they are young, they have agency and can effect change if they have the courage to do so.”

Hykes-Davis added that students specifically sought out material with greater emotional and intellectual depth.

“Our students have been asking for the chance to tackle some more serious subjects, and they are rising to the challenge,” she said. “They are putting a lot of time and effort into getting every line and gesture just right to do this story justice.”

The production also highlights collaboration across generations of PennWest performers. Hykes-Davis emphasized the value of connecting current students with alumni.

“I am glad we were able to connect one of our alumni with our current students,” she said. “They appreciate the chance to work with someone who was recently in their shoes. While she has been really pushing them, she is doing it with a true understanding of what it is like to be a student in this time.”

Tickets are available online. Admission is $12 for adults, $8 for students and seniors, and free for individuals with a PennWest ID.

The production is recommended for ages 12 and up. Haze and fog will be used during the performance.

CAST AND CREW

Cast

Sophie Scholl ..................................................... Riley Hockman
Hans Scholl .............................................................. Blake Dowd
Alexander Schmorell ........................................ Luciano Lopez
Christoph Probst............................................... Benjamin Dean
Wilhelm Graf ......................................................... Eli Barbacow
Robert Mohr ..................................................... Bryan Karpinski
Anton Mahler ............................................................ Jacob Kerr
Bauer......................................................................... David Grace

Production Team

Director.............................................................. Amanda Rhoades
Production Stage Manager........................................... Julia Fox
Assistant Stage Manager......................................... Zeph Burek
Costume Designer............................................... Spoon Handra
Technical Director..................................... Sabrina Hykes-Davis
Set Designer.............................................................. Jimmy Amor
Lighting Designer................................................... Nora Holahan
Props Designer............................................................... Sam Park
Scenic Charge................................................................ Sea Geer

Crew

Scene Shop Supervisor/Facilities......................... Jimmy Amor
Costume Shop Supervisor................................... Darien O'Neal
Light Board Operator............................................. Nora Holahan
Deck Crew................................................................ Talen Bagwell
Department Photographer..................................... Kelly Tunney