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Graphic that reads "'MUD' written by María Irene Fornés" with brown background and hand that is covered in dirt

CNM Theatre and Dance Department to Perform MUD Oct. 23 through Nov. 2

The production explores themes of poverty, trauma, and uncertainty with a focus on social change
October 14, 2025

CNM’s Department of Theatre and Dance is excited to host the play “MUD” from Oct. 23-Nov. 2 in the Coal Avenue Theater on Main Campus. The production, which explores mature themes through the lens of theatre for social change, is directed by CNM theater instructor Carly Preston and is being produced in partnership with CNM’s Office of Organizational Culture and Effectiveness.

“CNM is the perfect venue because of the vast number of resources available on and off camps, and we’re excited to highlight how theater can help facilitate social change,” Carly says.

Written by Cuban American artist María Irene Fornés, “MUD” tells the story of Mae, who is seeking to escape her basic life of poverty through education. Along the way, she befriends her teacher Henry, but he has a stroke and is forced to remain in the care of Mae and her partner, Llyod. Neither Henry nor Lloyd want Mae to leave them, and she is ultimately unable to attain the freedom she’s fighting for. The play explores several mature themes including domestic violence, gun violence, and the lasting impact of trauma.

Carly says the play provides important opportunities to reflect on the human condition.

“Fornés wrote this play in 1983 after living through World War II and questioning how we can continue to persist through increasingly difficult times,” she explains. “The themes of poverty, trauma, and uncertainty are timeless, and this production gives us the opportunity to learn and grow individually and collectively.”

With a focus on social change, there will be several CNM and community resource groups tabling before each showing, including CNM Unidos, THRIVE at CNM, Haven House, and Centro Sávila. Each Sunday matinee show will also feature a community discussion where representatives from these groups will share information about their work and available resources with attendees.

Attendees are encouraged to donate items to Wellness CNM in exchange for tickets. Without a donation tickets are $5 for the general public, BOGO for CNM faculty and staff, and free for CNM students. Requested donation items include:

  • New menstruation products
  • New hairbrushes and combs
  • New adult-sized hats, gloves, and socks

As Carly and the rest of the cast and crew gear up for the production, she hopes that people enjoy the uniqueness of the production and leave with a feeling of connectedness.

“This play is unique in many ways, including the way it was written, and the students have put an incredible amount of effort into this production,” she says. “The actors have really had to push themselves out of their comfort zone, two students have composed original music for scene transitions, and the crew has done incredible work on the costumes, sets, and lighting. Overall, my hope is that people see that there are resources and support available, even when things are hard.”