Southeastern Theatre launches premiere of new play
Monday, April 24, 2023
by: Tonya Lowentritt 
HAMMOND - Southeastern Louisiana University is launching the premiere of Southeastern
Theatre’s Ninth Annual Inkslinger Playwriting Contest winner April 26 with performances
through April 30. Directed by Southeastern Instructor of Theater Anne-Liese Fox, the
play is scheduled April 26 - 30, at 7:30 p.m., in Reimer’s Memorial Auditorium, located
in downtown Hammond at 305 E. Cherry St.
“While D Vickers undergoes renovation and Southeastern Theatre’s two performance
spaces are under renovation, Southeastern has officially launched its new bachelor’s
degree in theatre with enthusiastic students and prepares to close its season with
the Premiere of the Ninth Annual International Southeastern Inkslinger Playwriting
Contest Winner, ‘The Truth About Winnie Ruth Judd,’ by Phoenix playwrights Cathy
Dresbach and Ben Tyler,” Fox said.
Southeastern’s Inkslinger Playwriting Contest is currently celebrating its 10th
year with 230 play submissions from playwrights from all over North America. The contest
employs the volunteer efforts of 30 local and national expert judges. Every year the
winning play receives a full production as part of Southeastern Theatre’s mainstage
season with travel and lodging expenses provided for the playwright to attend the
performances.
Fox said the play tells the tale of the legendary Phoenix icon, Winnie Ruth Judd,
otherwise known as The Trunk Murderess.
“In 1931, the Phoenix radio station KOY aired dramatic reenactments of the murder
trial, thereby launching an international fascination, not only with the case,” Fox
explained. “The details of the case added to the international interest as the murderess
was a young and pretty married woman who was charged for murdering her two friends
and the gruesome fact that the bodies of the murder victims were dismembered and placed
in traveling trunks. The incredible success of the Phoenix KOY radio broadcasts opened
up an enduring fascination and investment in the entertainment genre of True Crime
Drama.”
Playwright Tyler will offer a post-show talkback after opening night. All are
welcome to attend.
Tickets are free to Southeastern students, $20 for general admission and $15
for seniors,
military, and non-SLU students. Tickets can be purchased at the door and are also
available by leaving a message at 985-549-2115 or emailing theatreboxoffice@southeastern.edu.
More information on the performances can be found on Southeastern Theatre’s website
southeastern.edu/theatre.
