BYU Theatre explored a new method of retelling history with their production of "Men on Boats."
The comedy follows a group of unruly explorers as they set out to chart the Grand Canyon. The catch? The entire cast and crew are women.
Like the musical "Hamilton," this play was specifically written with actors who are not white men in mind.
BYU's cast is made up of 10 women in addition to the all-female production team.
Kimberly Wille portrays George Young Bradley. Wille explains her process of getting into character .
"Whether it's clothing or makeup or mannerisms, there are things that are codified as masculine or feminine. It's been cool experiencing things as Kim and as Bradley. Honestly, the two meet together in the middle a lot," Wille said.
This sentiment is echoed in the characters' costume designs. Costume designer Lucy Maucotel designed the looks to be women wearing men's clothing rather than women pretending to be men.
"It's been incredible to have this chance to be Dunn, to give him a chance to tell a story, his story," Dunn actor Ruth Lyons said.
Ruth Lyons realized that her character was similar to her older brother, taking inspiration from his life.
Lyons said she has developed more empathy for the men around her in stepping into this masculine role.
"I've grown to respect them and love them for who they are in my life," Lyons said.
The cast and crew shared their admiration for the explorers' lives. They said they have enjoyed the production process and bonded as women.
"It's a par-tay," set designer Marguerite Morgan said. "It's very empowering. Women do cool things too."
"Men on Boats" plays Oct. 18 through Nov. 2 in the BYU Studio Theatre.