The curtain is opening for South Hills High School’s fall play: “She Kills Monsters.” Set in the nineties, it follows the story of two sisters going on an adventure in the world of Dungeons and Dragons.
However, it’s not just about fairies, magic, and saving the day. The sisters and their D&D party have to face fantastical monsters and real-life bullies. The bullies target the younger sister, Tilly Evans, for being gay.
Because of the queer characters, many high schools have banned this play from being performed. This isn’t stopping South Hills.
“These are topics high schoolers deal with on a daily basis. This show is interesting because it takes place in a time when queer people were less able to be out. A lot of queer students are hiding who they are for a lot of reasons, especially because of fear. My biggest goal in choosing this play is to show that there is nothing wrong with them and that they are awesome and valid,” Jeremy Cooley, the director of South Hills Drama Club, said.
Cooley starred in this play in 2020 as Miles and directed an online version later that year.
“I fell in love with the message which, boiled down, says no matter what you’re awesome. It really resonated with me,” Cooley said.
Many students are also excited to perform this play. Jules Booth (11) plays Tilly’s crush, Lilith, and identifies as part of the LGBTQ+ community. Booth has done theatre for 10 years and has performed five shows at South Hills.
“It’s the first time I’ve ever played a love interest, whereas I’ve normally played villains or comedic reliefs. I’m excited to expand my horizons,” Booth said.
Angie Contreas (11) plays Tilly’s sister, Agnes Evans. Despite not being part of the LGBTQ+ community, Contreas is a strong ally. She agrees that this play is important to perform in high schools.
“I think a lot of the kids are struggling with their identities, and this play shows they’re not alone in these situations,” Contreas said.
The theatre department is aware it could face backlash. The play has been banned from high schools in Ohio and Wisconsin. Hillsboro High School in Hillsboro, Ohio, banned it on the pretense that it contained vulgar language, violence, and sexual innuendos. However, that school has performed shows like “Les Miserables,” “Into The Woods,” and “Oklahoma,” all of which have vulgar language, violence, or sexual content. Some community members reported it was canceled due to parents and pastors complaining about the queer characters.
Reviewers say Les Miserables’s content is suitable for ages 13 and up, and the high school version of She Kills Monsters is suitable for ages 11 and up.
SHHS students and directors are willing and prepared to fight for this show to be put on.
“Why? Why be a hater, that takes so much energy. We’re trying to show kids of the LGBTQ+ community they can come to an environment where they’re not going to be judged,” Contreas said.
Alyssa Diaz (12) plays one of the on-stage bullies. However, she disapproves of bullying in real life.
“You’re not very cool if you’re a hater because theatre is a form of expression, and expression is important to individuality so if you hate on others’ individuality it’s not cool,” Diaz (12) said.
Whether you’re a member of the LGBTQ+ community, an ally, or apprehensive about the community, “She Kills Monsters” can touch the hearts of everyone. The play will be performed on November 15 and 16 at the SHHS theatre.
