“No Exit” by Jean-Paul Sartre, presented by West Liberty University Theatre, will continue with shows on campus this weekend. (Photo Provided )

WEST LIBERTY — West Lib- erty University Theatre invites au- diences to experience the psycho- logical intensity and existential power of “No Exit” by Jean-Paul Sartre, adapted for the stage by Paul Bowles.

The production opened Thurs- day night and will continue night- ly this weekend. Shows will take place at 7:30 p.m. today, Friday, Feb. 20, and Saturday, Feb. 21. A 3 p.m. matinee show will take place on Sunday, Feb. 22.

The production is directed by Alexandra Burdick, a guest di- rector and former West Liberty University Theatre major. Burdick brings both professional experi- ence and a personal connection to the program, returning to cam- pus to guide students through this demanding and intellectually rich work.

“I’m thrilled to return to WLU and collaborate with the next gen- eration of theatre artists,” Burdick said. “‘No Exit’ is a powerful piece that pushes actors and au- diences alike to wrestle with big ideas in a very intimate setting.”

One of the most influential plays of the 20th century, “No Exit” traps three strangers in a myste- rious room where they are forced to confront their past actions, per- sonal fears and the uncomfortable truth of human relationships. With sharp dialogue and escalating ten- sion, the play challenges audienc- es to examine how we define our- selves through the eyes of others.

Unlike traditional comedies or realistic dramas commonly seen on local stages, “No Exit” is rooted in existential theatre, a style that asks big philosophical questions in bold theatrical ways. Existential plays focus on the human search for meaning, personal accountability and the tension between how we see ourselves and how others see us. Rather than relying on specta- cle or large-scale action, the power of the play comes from sharp dia- logue, emotional intensity and the slow unraveling of the characters’ inner lives. This makes “No Exit” a unique and thought-provoking theatrical experience that audienc- es in the region may not encounter often.

“At first, I didn’t know what ex- istential theatre even meant,” said Beau Atkisson, freshman theatre major. “But once we started re- hearsing, I realized how raw and real it feels. The audience is right there with us as the tension builds. It’s not a flashy show. It pulls you in through the characters and the ideas. It’s definitely different from what people usually see around here, and that’s what makes it ex- citing. I hope people are intrigued enough to come and see it.”

Performances will take place on the West Liberty University cam- pus.

Tickets will be available at the door and through the university box office. Tickets are $15 for general admission, with discounts for seniors, students, children and WLU students with valid identi- fication. Call 304-336-8277 for reservations or for more informa- tion.

For more information about the production or the West Liberty University Theatre program, con- tact Michael Aulick at maulick@ westliberty.edu.