Loyola University New Orleans Presents ‘You On the Moors Now,’ a Comedic Reimagining of Beloved Literary Heroines Who Refuse to Play by the Rules

Four of literature's most recognizable heroines are rewriting their own romantic endings in Loyola University New Orleans' upcoming production of “You On the Moors Now,” running Nov. 12-21 at Marquette Theater on the Loyola campus.

The play, written by Jaclyn Backhaus, brings together 19^th-Century literary heroines Jo March from “Little Women," Lizzie from “Pride and Prejudice," Cathy from Wuthering Heights” and Jane from “Jane Eyre.” In the play, the women discuss their proposals from unsuitable suitors, and defy convention by running off to camp out on the moors to live their lives on their own terms and not by society’s rules.

Their respective beaus – Laurie, Mr. Darcy, Heathcliff and Mr. Rochester – begin a search to find the women, enlisting help from characters across all of their stories. A grand theatrical battle royale ensues as the ensemble struggles to reconcile romantic ideologies of the past with modern ideas of love and relationships, said Helen Jaksch, chair of Theatre Arts & Dance at Loyola and a professor of practice in Theatre Arts.

“What's most exciting about this play is the way it flips familiar literary tropes on their head,” said Jaksch, who is directing the production. “Our students get to take characters audiences think they know, and explore them in surprising, funny and unexpected ways. It's an ensemble-driven production that demands strong character work and a willingness to take theatrical risks.”

The cast consists of 14 students and one understudy, and the crew includes a student assistant director and costume designer, Jaksch said. The one-act production is 100 minutes long, she said.

Performances will take place Nov. 12-14 and Nov. 18-21 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $9 for students with an ID; $16 for senior citizens, and Loyola faculty and staff with an ID; and, $21 for adults.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://cmfa.loyno.edu/events/nov-12-2026_you-moors-now-jaclyn-backhaus.