Eastern Connecticut State University’s Theatre Program presented its first production of the fall semester on Oct. 19-24 in the Proscenium Theatre. Directed by Theatre Professor Darcy Parker Bruce, “The Place That Made You” takes audience members through an altered narrative of a famous Bible story.

This play is motivated by one of the most well-known Bible stories, “Jonah and the Whale.” The story follows Jonah, who refuses to carry out God’s demands, so God sends a whale to swallow him. Jonah spends three days and three nights inside the whale and prays to God for help and redemption.

Director Bruce uses this Bible story as a basis for creating her own spin on the tale. “This play is meant as a road map for every queer soul trying to find their way home,” said Bruce. “This play is also written in response to watching far too many members of my community move through thoughts of worthlessness and suicide.”

"The Place That Made You" takes place in a small Connecticut town and observes Jonah as he struggles to find answers about his purpose in life the while trying to accept the death of his best friend. The ghost of the deceased best friend, Ben, returns to her childhood home to get her own answers and the small town is preyed on by a whale.

Undulating wavers were projected onto the stage, representing the ocean. An emerald green light illuminated the set, which included a hand-crafted door, couch and table.

The play shows through Oct. 24. Tickets are available through the virtual box office at https://easternct.showare.com/tptmy/. Admission is free to Eastern students; $5 for other students and groups of 10 or more; $10 for senior citizens; $12 for Eastern faculty, staff, alumni and $20 for the general public.

For more information, visit https://www.easternct.edu/theatre/productions/tptmy.html or contact the Box Office at (860) 465-5123 or theatreboxoffice@easternct.edu.