WTAMU Puts Modern Twist on Pride and Prejudice

Theatre department reimagines Jane Austen classic for new generation of viewers

Jan. 31, 2026 at 11:55am

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The West Texas A&M University Theatre Department is putting a fresh, humorous spin on Jane Austen's classic novel Pride and Prejudice. Playwright Kate Hamill's adaptation keeps the Regency period setting but adds a modern tone, with the character of Elizabeth Bennet portrayed as more annoyed and eye-rolling than giggly. The production runs February 6-15 at the university's Sybil B. Harrington Fine Arts Complex.

Why it matters

This modern take on a beloved literary work aims to introduce Pride and Prejudice to a new generation of audiences, breathing new life into the classic story through a humorous, relatable lens. It highlights the continued relevance and adaptability of timeless tales, and WTAMU's commitment to innovative, engaging theatre programming.

The details

Director Callie Hisek has been a fan of Kate Hamill's Pride and Prejudice script for 10 years, and is excited to bring the playwright's refreshing vision to the stage. Junior theatre major Kenzie Cohan, who plays Elizabeth Bennet, will portray the character with more annoyance and eye-rolling than the traditional giggly interpretation. Meanwhile, senior theatre major Kyle Roberson, who plays Mr. Darcy, sees the character as more honest than the typical 'jerk' portrayal.

  • The production will run from February 6-15, 2026.
  • Evening performances are scheduled for February 6-7 and February 12-14 at 7:30 pm.
  • Matinee performances are scheduled for February 8 and 15 at 2:30 pm.

The players

Kate Hamill

A brilliant playwright who has refreshed Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice with a humorous, modern tone.

Callie Hisek

The director of WTAMU's production, who has been a fan of Hamill's Pride and Prejudice adaptation for 10 years.

Kenzie Cohan

A junior theatre major at WTAMU who plays the role of Elizabeth Bennet, portraying the character with more annoyance and eye-rolling than the traditional interpretation.

Kyle Roberson

A senior theatre major at WTAMU who plays the role of Mr. Darcy, seeing the character as more honest than the typical 'jerk' portrayal.

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What they’re saying

“I have been in love with Kate Hamill's script for 10 years.”

— Callie Hisek, Director

“Instead of giggling, Elizabeth can roll her eyes.”

— Kenzie Cohan, Junior theatre major

“The character isn't the jerk he's made out to be, but just honest.”

— Kyle Roberson, Senior theatre major

What’s next

Tickets for the WTAMU production of Pride and Prejudice are on sale now and can be purchased online, by phone, or by email.

The takeaway

WTAMU's modern, humorous take on the Jane Austen classic Pride and Prejudice aims to introduce the beloved story to a new generation of audiences, showcasing the continued relevance and adaptability of timeless tales through an innovative, engaging theatrical experience.