Student-run experimental theater group Thyrsus will take audience members on a unique theatrical journey this weekend in the premiere of “FEEDERS,” a play written and directed by junior Jolie Ho. The piece was selected as the winner of Thyrsus’ biennial theater competition, Thrympetition, which is open to all students and judged by Thyrsus’ board.

Although Ho was reluctant to reveal too much of the play’s storyline—part of the excitement of this particular play is the element of the unexpected—“FEEDERS” is a show that explores the motives and desires of a group of extraordinarily wealthy salespeople.

Zoey Miller | Student Life

Mike Carovillano, Grace Haselhort, Jolie Ho, Olivia Ratinoff, Mark Fernandez, and Abigail Rosen have a quick production meeting before a run of the show

“When we think of rich people, we might think of famous brand names and high-end, flashy products, but when you’re talking about extremely rich people, it’s more about the story behind what they spend their money on,” Ho explained.

Ho found inspiration to write “FEEDERS” after watching a mock-umentary on a plane while flying home last winter break that told the story of four people who ran a private luxury food business, working with an exclusive clientele. Ho’s “FEEDERS” has a cast of eight characters, four of whom are based loosely on the four people in the film, and all of whom create, according to Ho, “a relatively even ensemble cast.”

In keeping with Thyrsus’ legacy of creating site-specific theatrical experiences, Ho chose to set “FEEDERS” in the Women’s Building Formal Lounge. From a practical standpoint, this setting reduces the amount of design work needed in preparation, but from the audience perspective, the space also contributes directly to the plot as a result of the room’s decor that creates a certain air of formality, reminiscent of the wealthy characters themselves.

“The idea of site-specific work is to use the original space—how it looks from the start—as much as possible,” Ho added. “The layout of Women’s [Building] Formal Lounge was conducive to this play because it has a lot of nooks and crannies for different scenes.”

Victor Mendez, a sophomore, plays the character Damian, a wine salesman whose witty banter adds a component of humor to the play.

“It’s difficult to give you an exact theme of ‘FEEDERS,’ but you could say it’s that those who are well-off still aren’t invincible or invulnerable to the twists and turns that life may bring,” Mendez said. “Wealth is only what you make of it.”

In taking on the role of director after writing the play last year, Ho discovered the particular challenge of trying to view her own work as if she were an outside observer.

“When the auditions and rehearsal process started this year, I had to learn to compartmentalize the writing and directing sides of me,” Ho said. “When you’re the director, you have to look at the script for clues—so I was trying to look at my own script from the angle of a fresh set of eyes, and I actually found things I hadn’t been conscious of when I was writing.”

Tiffany Powell (“Celia”) and Victor Mendez (“Damian”) rehearse a scene for ‘FEEDERS.’ The show centers around the motives of a group of rich salesmen.

Thyrsus puts on a student work as a full production every other fall, which makes “FEEDERS” a special opportunity for those looking for a less traditional way to engage with Wash. U.’s student-run theater scene. For those attending, Mendez said, “It’s important to come with an open mind and to remember that the little details may go a long way.”

“And it would be a good idea to wear comfortable walking shoes,” Ho added. Exactly how the audience may be up on its feet, neither Ho nor Mendez would divulge.

“FEEDERS” is showing in the Women’s Building Formal Lounge this Friday, Nov. 11 at 8:00 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 12 at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 13 at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $5 and will be sold in the DUC from 11:00 a.m.—2:00 p.m. today and tomorrow and will also be sold at the door.