A one-act adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Little Mermaid” will open Thursday at Covenant College. Presented by the Drama Association, “Niada” is written and directed by senior Alysha McCullough in partial completion of her senior thesis.
The play follows the story of a mermaid named Merin who rescues Dorian, a prince, from drowning. Merin falls in love with the prince and dreams of becoming human to be with him. Thinking her father will not understand, she secretly goes to her Aunt Istre, a sea witch.
Istre agrees to help Merin but warns her that what she wants comes with a price. Merin will be cut off from her family, endure extreme pain in the transformation and remain without her voice. If in becoming a human, Merin does not capture the heart of the prince and become his bride, she will die.
Merin agrees to Istre’s conditions. She becomes human and is found by Dorian and his older brother, Kade. Her relationship with the two brothers unfolds through the rest the play as Dorian’s family pressures him to marry someone else. Will he choose Merin? Will she find her true love?
Beth Mixon appears in her debut role as Merin.
IF YOU GO
* What: “Niada.”
* When: 8 p.m. Thursday and April 10, 15 and 16; 2:30 p.m. April 17.
* Where: Sanderson Hall, Covenant College, 14049 Scenic Highway, Lookout Mountain, Ga.
* Admission: $5 adults, $3 students (available at the door or by reservation).
* Phone: 916-642-3430.