Speaking on Sparta: A student-created CLP

What is a CLP?

Hello everyone! My name is Camila Canavati and I am a first year at Furman University. As a liberal arts school, Furman has numerous things that set them apart and make them unique.

Cultural Life Programs are intended to encourage students to attend a variety of events that provide enriching cultural experiences. During their time at Furman, students must complete thirty-two of these programs. CLPs allow students to learn more about other cultures, and perspectives and simply open their minds to other ideologies or worldviews. These programs vary in format and moderator as well!

At Furman, CLPs can be art exhibits, plays, lectures, movie screenings, or presentations and can be led by faculty, students, experts, or a combination of all three. Today, I am interviewing a student who recently participated in a CLP that featured a play. A Furman student wrote the play, and I am speaking with one of the main actors about her experience.

Q&A with Sophie Shumpert

Sophie Shumpert, better known as “Dubai” in the play Sparta, will be talking with me today. Sophie is a first-year student involved with Furman’s Theatre Arts Program. Seth Jones, a current Furman student, wrote this original piece and has been developing it for numerous years. It discusses The Trussup County Spartans, a team of high school wrestlers. Everyone on the team deals with certain struggles on their road to state.

What made you interested in being in Sparta?

Sophie: My musical theatre teacher back home graduated from Furman and I always knew that I wanted to be a theatre major here at Furman. This is what ignited my desire to be part of this original and new piece. The theatre department sent out the information on this piece over the summer. After I read the script, I knew that this piece would be meaningful in and outside of the Furman community. I wanted to stand for the mission that this play was created for, I wanted to be part of something that would provide knowledge and awareness.

What was your favorite experience throughout this process?

Sophie: In the fall semester, we began to read the script all together. Moreover, the play was an original work and the cast was able to provide input during table readings prior to blocking the performance. I was able to provide insight into my character’s monologue and how their story unraveled throughout the play. This was extremely important to me and an aspect that I loved about being part of this performance. I wanted my character to have a certain ending and Seth Jones made that possible, I believe that was my favorite experience within this play.

How do you feel about this play being a CLP?

Sophie: I love the fact that this play was a CLP! With my involvement in the play, I was able to receive the credits as well, not just the students in attendance. Making the play a CLP provided an incentive for students to come and watch this production. This allowed more students to hear about the production and to come and support the Furman community. The message portrayed in this piece is something that I believe numerous people on campus can benefit from.

This play made such an impact in our community. Thank you for discussing this with me Sophie, best of luck in all of your endeavors!

– Camila Canavati ’28