Oakland University Theatre Highlights Modern Gender and Power Dynamics through a 17th Century Lens
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Updated: 9 minutes ago
The Courage To Right A Woman's Wrongs closes this weekend in the Varner Studio Theatre.
Oakland University’s School of Music, Theatre and Dance presents The
Courage to Right a Woman’s Wrongs March 19–29 in the Varner Studio Theatre.
Written by Ana Caro Mallén de Soto, one of the few women playwrights of Spain’s Golden
Age, the play blends romance, intrigue, and questions of identity in a bold and timely story.
The production follows Doña Leonor, a woman betrayed by the charming nobleman Don Juan, who promises marriage before abandoning her to pursue adventure abroad. Determined to reclaim her honor, Leonor disguises herself as Leonardo and travels to Flanders seeking revenge.
Along the way, Leonor encounters Countess Estella, a noblewoman admired by many suitors
including Don Juan, Prince Ludovico, and Don Fernando. When Estella unexpectedly falls in
love with Leonardo, Leonor’s carefully planned quest for vengeance becomes far more
complicated.
The story unfolds as Leonor navigates questions of justice, identity, and love, ultimately
confronting what it means to step fully into one’s truest self.
The cast features DeNetria Gibson as "Leonor/Leonardo", Gavin Carcamo as "Don Fernando", and Crystal Orser as "Don Juan", along with several other Oakland University Theatre students. The production is directed by Oscar Rodriguez Quiroz, Assistant Professor of Theatre at Oakland University, and is presented as a bilingual production by the Oakland University School of Music, Theatre & Dance in the Varner Studio Theatre.
Originally written in the 17th century, The Courage to Right a Woman’s Wrongs is notable not
only for its dramatic storytelling but also for the voice behind it. Ana Caro Mallén de Soto was a
celebrated playwright during the Spanish Golden Age, a period in which few women were able
to achieve recognition in the literary world. Her work remains significant for its sharp wit,
complex characters, and exploration of gender and power.
This Oakland University production highlights the play’s enduring relevance while also centering
conversations around queer and trans identity within the historical context of early modern
Spain.
Performances will take place March 19–29 in the Varner Studio Theatre on the campus of
Oakland University.
Tickets are available online at
For more information about performances and events from Oakland University’s School of
Music, Theatre and Dance, visit https://oakland.edu/smtd
Cast
Denetria Gibson — Leonor / Leonardo, Gavin Carcamo — Don Fernando, Crystal Orser — Don Juan, Bradley Jacobs — Prince Ludovico, Isabeli Buendia — Countess Estela, Aaliyah Flint — Lisarda, Caylee Morgan — Flora, Olivia Pesina — Finea, Jay Harrison — Ribete, Nate Stelzer — Tomillo, Jacob Weldon — Tibaldo, Jadon Ebeling — Rufino, Ellise Dowd — Astolfo, Lizzy Richard — Godofre
Production Team
Bex Papazian — Stage Manager, Izzy Purcey — Assistant Stage Manager, Lorelei Preiss — Scenic Designer, Emma Garrett — Lighting Designer, Toni Davison — Costume Designer, Molly Gamber — Assistant Dramaturg, Jaci Taylor — Hair & Makeup Designer, Ash Ritter — Sound Designer, Sara Czerniawski — Properties Designer
Choreography / Movement
Adam Rivera — Assistant Fight Choreographer, Ian Finfrock — Assistant Fight Choreographer, Adriel Ruben Moraes — Dance Choreographer
