Articles from April 2026

New student support fund honors the memory of UI Theatre alumna Aleta Mitchell (1981 BA)

Thursday, April 30, 2026
Sharon Aleta Mitchell (Haskell) passed away on April 14, 2026, at the age of 74. Honoring her wishes, her family established the Aleta Mitchell Advancement Fund at the University of Iowa to provide support to students in the Department of Theatre Arts. The fund is now accepting memorial donations from others.
Student performance of Uncla Vanya

News from the Department of Theatre Arts

Thursday, April 30, 2026
Spring reflections and announcements from the department
YouTube screenshot showing Brian Quijada and Nygel Robinson showing how their play is made

How Mexodus Puts a Song Together Live Onstage, With Just 2 Actors, Creative Instruments, and a Looping Station

Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Creators Brian Quijada (2011 BA) and Nygel D. Robinson give Playbill a demo of their process.

Drama League Awards announces 2026 nominees

Monday, April 20, 2026
Broadway nominees include "Little Bear Ridge Road" by Samuel D. Hunter (2007 MFA) and "Mexodus" by Brian Quijada (2011 BA) and Nygel D. Robinson.

2026 Outer Critics Circle Award nominations announced

Monday, April 20, 2026
The annual awards honor Broadway and Off-Broadway theatre, and Iowa Theatre grads Brian Quijada (2011 BA) and Samuel D. Hunter (2007 MFA) are nominated for top honors in multiple categories.
Dancers perform during Walk It Out at the Iowa Memorial Union on Saturday, April 11, 2026.

Finding belonging at the UI

Thursday, April 16, 2026
At a predominantly white institution, students at the UI are creating meaningful communities through cultural organizations and informal “third spaces.”
Brian Quijada and Nygel D. Robinson performing Mexodus. Photo by Thomas Mundell

Musical ‘Mexodus’ loops in the journey of enslaved freedom seekers below the border

Thursday, April 16, 2026
“Mexodus” is written and performed by Brian Quijada (2011 BA) and Nygel D. Robinson with choreography by Tony Thomas. It’s directed by David Mendizabal.

Mexodus, Prince Faggot Lead 2026 Lucille Lortel Nominations

Thursday, April 2, 2026
The nominations for the 41st Annual Lucille Lortel Awards, honoring Off and Off-Off Broadway theatre, were announced April 1. New musical Mexodus, written by and starring Brian Quijada (2011 BA) and Nygel D. Robinson, led the nominations with nine awards (including Outstanding Musical).