UPDATE: The play has been cancelled.

As William & Mary kicks off its Year of the Environment, William & Mary’s Batten School & VIMS and the Department of Theatre & Performance have collaborated to present the one-act play “Rollover” on Feb. 15 and 22. 

Directed by Professor of Theatre and Department Chair Holly Maples and produced by Batten School of Coastal & Marine Sciences & VIMS Assistant Professor Nicole Millette, the play tells the story of inhabitants of a barrier island dealing with the immediate aftermath of a hurricane.  

Millette was inspired to bring “Rollover” to W&M after attending a scientific conference where the creator of the play, Professor Laura Moore from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, was presenting a poster based on the work. Millette then connected with Maples through a teaching workshop they were both participating in and approached Maples about putting on the play. 

Millette completed her graduate research and now lives within the Chesapeake Bay area. “I see a lot of environmental issues and hear from people and local scientists who deal with them,” said Millette. “That includes, sea level rise, the threat of hurricanes, and an ever-changing landscape. You always hear people say, ‘Why do people stay in these vulnerable coastal areas that are subject to flooding?’ This play addresses those issues, through the lens of people forced to confront that exact question. These characters are discussing whether to stay or leave their island community after a devastating hurricane.” 

Along with her scientific career as a phytoplankton ecologist, Millette has also been involved in the world of theatre for a long time. “Unfortunately, there may never be a phytoplankton play, but I still really see the power of art and theatre and what they can do in bridging gaps between people, creating discussions, and helping people understand topics in a new way,” said Millette. 

Maples began her tenure as chair of the Department of Theatre & Performance at William & Mary in January 2024. With a passion for merging performance with academic research, she has pioneered site-specific and immersive performances that bring scientific research, history and museum exhibits to life, fostering public engagement in unique ways. Before joining W&M, Maples had envisioned collaborating with VIMS the Batten School of Coastal & Marine Science & VIMS to create performances that bridge the gap between science and the public, using the arts to illuminate complex topics and spark dialogue. She has been delighted to collaborate with Millette and looks forward to future collaborations. 

“Through performance, we can create spaces where science, history and storytelling intersect, inviting audiences not just to observe, but to experience and engage with knowledge in ways that resonate on a deeply human level,” said Maples. 

As producer, Millette is responsible for bringing together the non-theatrical components of the play, such as promoting the performances.  

Millette is also interested in deepening connections between the Batten School & VIMS and the arts aspect of Arts & Sciences on the main campus.  

“Expanding the type of collaborations occurring between different parts of a very large community (Batten School & VIMS and the Department of Theater & Performance) has really been great. Just at the Batten School & VIMS campus, there seems to be so much enthusiasm from people who are excited at the idea of science in arts and theatre,” said Millette. 

Going forward, Maples and Millette are very interested in future collaborations, as they are both passionate about the kind of educational work that is central to the themes of “Rollover.” 

“From here, I would love to see more unique collaborations between the scientists at the Batten School & VIMS and artists in the Arts & Sciences. These types of collaborations provide an opportunity to reach people in a new way around important topics,” said Millette. 

You can reserve free tickets for “Rollover” performed at Phi Beta Kappa Memorial Hall on Feb. 15 at 2p.m. and 7p.m., or VIMS Watermen’s Hall, McHugh Auditorium on Feb. 22 at 2p.m. and 7p.m.