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LaGrange College Theatre Arts will offer an evening of deep meaning, absurd surprises and extreme comedy in a series of three short plays: “The Lottery,” “The Applicant” and “Wanda’s Visit.”

The production, which runs Nov. 19-20, will open with Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery,” centered around a town’s adherence to a longstanding ritual which leads to devastating consequences. “This play explores our complex relationship with tradition, even when the original reasons behind customs have been forgotten,” said sophomore dramaturg Florinda Galbreath.

Freshman Summer Baker takes on the role of Tessie Hutchinson, the wife of senior Baylor Montoya’s patriarchal character Bill. “She stands out from the other townspeople because she questions whether their long-held traditions are truly justified,” Baker said. “Tessie’s interactions with the others, including senior Will Gray’s outspoken Fred Delacroix, reveal a growing unease with the rituals and traditions of her town.”

The ensemble in “The Lottery” is composed of LaGrange College students, alumni, local schoolchildren and community members. “To tell Jackson’s thought-provoking story we needed actors of all ages to shed light on the effects a town’s traditions can have on its residents,” said Ellie Boykin ’19, LaGrange College Theatre Lecturer and director of “The Lottery.”

Next up is Harold Pinter’s “The Applicant,” which delves into the absurdity of social dynamics. Montoya plays a scientist, Mr. Lamb, who is facing off against junior Aria Mabry’s “extremely efficient” job interviewer Miss Piffs. “Her efficiency masks a deeper delight in wielding power over others, especially men,” Mabry said.

Rounding out the series is Christopher Durang’s “Wanda’s Visit,” which features sophomore Abigail Humphries as the titular character who upends the lives of Jim and Marsha, played by Gray and freshman Jeanne Haggerty. As Haggerty noted, “Wanda’s visit proves to be both hilarious and unsettling.”

“These plays offer a unique theatrical experience in just over an hour,” said Kim Barber Knoll, LaGrange College Theatre Arts Professor and director of “The Applicant” and “Wanda’s Visit.” “‘The Lottery’ is meaningful and disturbing. ‘The Applicant’ while humorous is quite shocking, and ‘Wanda’s Visit’ is a non-stop roller coaster ride.”

The performance time is 6:30 p.m. at Price Theater. The show contains mature subject matter.

Ticket reservations will now be made through Eventbrite. The cost is $10 for adults and Cash and checks are accepted at the door. The link can be found at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lagrange-college-theatre-shorts-tickets-1075036616459.