The play’s his thing

Despite having no previous background in theater, Kevin Van Finley Neher (Government, Economics ’01) co-founded perhaps the most popular student-run theater organization the University has seen in recent years. It began when he noticed the racial divisiveness among students and saw benefits in highlighting the issue.

During their second year, Neher and classmate Steven Shepard (Government and Foreign Affairs ’01) produced the “Romeo and Juliet Project,” an interracial version of Shakespeare’s play that cast the Capulets as a black family and the Montagues as white. A post-performance discussion that addressed the play’s social significance made “Romeo and Juliet” different from most theatrical productions. “By giving the audience and the cast a chance to share their feelings,” Neher said, “we were all brought closer together.”

Following the play’s overwhelming success, the two expanded their efforts and co-founded Spectrum Theater to create thought-provoking theater with a message. Neher has led the organization in producing theatrical works that incorporate significant social messages, including Aristophanes’ “Lysistrata,” an ancient Greek comedy that highlights women’s rights, which they set during the Vietnam era.

Besides producing plays, Neher’s fundraising and media relations efforts have earned the group local and national press coverage, further exposing its unique brand of theater. He also selects winning plays from Spectrum’s Wrights of Spring student play-writing contest and advises the Spectrum Theater executive board. For two years he has helped to produce the highly successful Voices of the Class, Spectrum’s theatrical interpretations of selected U.Va. admissions essays.

After graduation he is considering a career in venture capital or promotions and fundraising for a non-profit organization. He has plans to continue his work in the performing arts as a volunteer.