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Wednesday, March 07, 2001 Scene     THEATER     Get ready for some folk 'Whuppie'   Molly The play starts at 7:30 p.m. tonight in the Center Theater. Free.   Stacie Meihaus STAFF WRITER   The Women's Studies program brings to life an old folk tale tonight. Rema Keen and Sue Massek perform The Adventures of Molly Whuppie, which was written by UK master's program alumnus Anne Shelby and supported by the Kentucky Foundation for Women.   Gurney Norman, an English professor at UK, will introduce the play.   "Folk drama has become an obscure art form. It is an ancient entertainment that is now so rare that it seems new," Norman said. "Shelby has fashioned for herself a unique literary career."   The play follows three adventures of a young girl named Molly Whuppie, played by Keen. She travels with her sisters Poll and Betts, who always get themselves and Molly into trouble. At times she also teams up with Jack, a male folk hero. She encounters many adversaries through her journeys and uses wit and a little magic to combat them.   Massek designed the music for the show and steps from her musician role to assume the personas of different characters.   "It's scary. I'm brand new to the acting, so it's fun and scary. I'm stretching my wings," Massek said.   Keen said she believes the play is ageless. There is something in it that applies to everyone. The adults will appreciate the symbolism, while children will enjoy the fun and animation. In addition to being a character that anyone can relate to, Molly is a positive role model because she uses her mind rather than her brute strength.   Both actors believe the morals of the play are important for everyone to see.   "To me, I'm excited about taking this play into the schools. It makes me happy that these kids are going to see a female role model. Molly actually pulls Jack out of a couple of sports in the play," Keen said.   Keen met Shelby through a mutual friend. This is the second play they have worked on together. Massek met Shelby through Massek's work in Clay County schools, near where Shelby lives. Massek was given grants to work with Shelby writing the mountain-music type songs for this play.   While both actors believe the play is special on the whole, each has her own favorite part.   "Sue's music lends beautifully to the play. I also like when Molly and Jack go along together having adventures," Keen said.   "I think what I enjoy most about the play is the combination of Anne's ingenious second and third layers below the surface and Rema's ability to bring those layers out," Massek said.   Current Headlines Scene

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