L to R  Top: Robert Norman, Caitlin Nelligan, Jenny Reed and Mark Shell Bottom:  Casey Morris, Sarah Erikson, Carly Crawford and Kenny Rossander

TheatreUNCA will stage the provocative play, “The Wrestling Season,” February 21-25 in UNC Asheville’s Carol Belk Theatre. Curtain is 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday with a 2 p.m. Sunday matinee. All shows are open to the public. “The Wrestling Season,” which contains mature themes, is recommended for teenage and adult audiences.

An experimental one-act drama by acclaimed playwright Laurie Brooks, “The Wrestling Season,” addresses teenagers’ search for identity and the peer pressure that accompanies it. Using only the setting of a wrestling mat, the ensemble cast functions both as a chorus and the characters whose stories are interwoven to reveal the destructive power of rumors.

“The Wrestling Season” features eight high school students who face difficult obstacles. This is Matt’s year to excel on his wrestling team, but innuendo about his friendship with Luke causes confusion and doubt. Kori grapples with her self-image, while Melanie copes with a reputation she cannot overcome. Jolt and Heather ultimately regret having too much too soon, while Nicole cannot rise above her low self-esteem. The action is overseen by the Referee, who comments on the action from inside and outside the drama.

Referee Chip Davis (right) prepares to make the call as Jolt (Robert Norman, left) goes for the pin and Luke (Kenny Rossander) strains to keep his shoulders off the mat.

“The Wrestling Season” is directed by UNC Asheville alumna Wendy Kussrow. The cast features UNC Asheville students, including Carly Crawford, Chip Davis, Sarah Erickson, Marshall Hammer, Casey Morris, Caitlin Nelligan, Robert Norman, Jenny Reed, Kenny Rosander and Mark Shell.

Tickets for all performances are $10 general admission, $8 for senior citizens and $5 for students. Because of the intimate size of UNC Asheville’s Carol Belk Theatre and the often heavy demand for tickets, advance purchase is strongly advised. Tickets may be ordered by phone by calling 828/232-2291 between 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays. Tickets are also available at the box office one hour before curtain and online at www.unca.edu/drama.

For more information, call UNC Asheville’s Drama Department at 828/251-6610.