Madison College Performing Arts presents “For The Love Of,” which opened Oct. 18 and is running through Oct. 27. This hilarious, empowering and artful play takes place in New York City’s vibrant roller derby scene.
The audience is taken on a journey that explores love, loss and self-discovery with queer and feminist themes.
At a rehearsal two days before opening night, the energy was alive, and I could feel the passion radiating in the room. When they started rehearsing, I was immediately swept up in the world of roller derby.
The cast is dressed in expressive clothing and punky hairstyles. The pace is fast, and the black lights and rock music will take you along for the ride. Even without actual roller skates, the actors keep the movements realistic. The set is simple and cohesive, and the skillful use of lighting can flip an atmosphere upside down.

Erran Daniels (aka E), playing “Joy Ride” says, “Derby is so queer in every form of what queer empowerment is. It is a sport that is fem-dominated and bad ass. Being casted into a lesbian couple that is going through a lot of drama, there’s an outlet to let anger out and not be seen as crazy. And add the layer of being a Black woman, having that space is so empowering.”
Kailea Saplan, playing “Prosecute-Her,” does roller derby outside of the play. They said, “The part that always gets me is Mouse’s monologue. I am 5’ and I’ve always felt so small in my life. When Mouse talks about how derby made her grow three inches, it did that for me in so many ways, and so I’m just backstage crying. Figuring out that I have a strong body as this shape and size is so profound.”
There are four performances remaining, running Oct. 24-27. Tickets are free for students, just bring your One Card to redeem. Non-student adult tickets are $15. The performance is approximately 100 minutes. Visit madisoncollege.edu/derbyplay to find specific dates and times and reserve your ticket.