Early in the spring of 2024, Dordt University student Joseph Mosley sketched out a comedically dark script and jotted down the title “Murder Twystery.” He kept drafting, editing, and revising over the next months. During this time, Mosley acted in Dordt’s family-centered “Comedy of Errors.” The two shows carry similar themes of complex family romp, but Mosley drew main inspiration from a favorite film.
“I was inspired by ‘Knives Out’ and wanted to write a subversive murder mystery in a theatrical style,” Mosley says. “A family with more problems than murder.”
Now, Mosley gets the chance to bring his script to life. On December 5 and 7, Dordt students will perform “Murder Twystery” in the Fourth Avenue Theatre. The show explores deception, guilt, and sibling dynamics. Mosley will direct the play, which is sponsored by Dordt’s Theatre Department.
Mosley, a theatre major from Sioux Falls, followed a swift schedule to arrive at show week. Once “Murder Twystery” was written, Dordt Theatre reviewed and approved the show, with Professor of Theatre Jason Vande Brake working alongside Mosley in refining it.
“I love student-developed projects,” says Vande Brake. “They show the initiative, creativity, and drive of the creators and all the students involved, and they allow for all sorts of wonderful freedom and experimentation.”
It’s Dordt’s second production this fall, following October’s musical. The murder mystery involves far fewer actors and designers, and with five days away over Thanksgiving, “Murder Twystery” will rehearse for under a month before opening.
Vande Brake sees this loose structure as a strength of student-led productions. “Theatre courses and mainstage shows build your muscles. Independent projects develop your coordination,” says Vande Brake. “You can take huge swings and take big chances.”
The actors love creating performance art together. Faith Pluister, a sophomore history education major, plays Grandma Fee. Pluister has been involved in theatre for years and has participated in seven Dordt mainstage productions. However, this is her first experience with a student director—an experience with unique learning opportunities.
“How much can I say?” Pluister says with a laugh. “It’s different, but I think we’re all learning together.”
The 10-person cast will include several first-time actors. Abraham Hall, a senior biology and music double-major had never acted before landing the role of Brad. “It definitely felt a bit silly at first,” Hall says. However, after he began to “emulate what the character was going through onstage with my body and face more than my voice,” the character came to life.
Mosley designed the set himself. It’s a simple space, with much of the action revolving around a brown paisley sofa and old-fashioned decor. Costumes and props are timeless; some actors simply select clothes from their closets, while other costumes are more intentionally created.
Offstage, the writer-director feels honored to be directing his own show as a sophomore. “I feel honored” says Mosley, “to work with amazing people in the department on this project, and I am so thankful to my friends for their sacrifices to bring my piece together.”
About Dordt University
As an institution of higher education committed to the Reformed Christian perspective, Dordt University equips students, faculty, alumni, and the broader community to work toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life. Located in Sioux Center, Iowa, Dordt is a comprehensive university named to the best college lists by the Wall Street Journal, Times Higher Education, Forbes.com, Washington Monthly, and Princeton Review.
A team of Dordt University students placed sixth in the North Central North America region of the International Collegiate Programming Contest, advancing to the North American Championship. This marks the first time a Dordt team has reached the national competition, where they will compete in 2025.
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