With a controversial plot that keeps audiences on their toes, Stop Kiss hopes to shed a new light on life for Penn State students.

The School of Theatre actors perform the play, written by Diana Son, beginning March 23. Stop Kiss takes the audience on a journey of self-discovery as it begins to know and understand the story. After main characters Callie and Sara meet, they unexpectedly fall in love. Their first kiss brings on a brutal physical attack of prejudice. Because of this hate crime, the women's lives are forever changed.

"It's real easy to talk about the play and write it off as a gay play ... I don't think it's that at all," Stop Kiss director Jim Wise said. "It's about individualism."

Megan Thomas (graduate-theatre), who plays Callie, said she believes Stop Kiss conveys important messages about life in general.

"I think the play is trying to show the importance of not sitting back and watching life happen to you," Thomas said.

Wise also agreed that the play's message includes some important life lessons.

"It's about participating in life fully, rather than observing it from afar," he said.

The play also attempts to get rid of common misconceptions about various sexual identities. Thomas said she believes a lot of stereotypes exist in the State College area, and this play will help people see beyond them.

Sara Ryan, president of Penn State's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Alliance, said she believes one of the most important aspects of Stop Kiss is its potential to shed light upon the daily struggles of LGBTA students.

"On this campus ... members of the LGBTA community are the most reported victims of hate crimes," Ryan said.

Beyond its socio-political implications, Wise said he feels anyone can relate to Stop Kiss. At the end of the play, the women aren't defined as any one sexual identity; they are left to discover themselves.

"Sexuality is a lot more fluid than we ever think it is," Ryan said. "Society likes to put people into these boxes ... It's a way of challenging societal norms."

Those involved with Stop Kiss promise an entertaining show.

"It's extremely well written," Thomas said. "It's got amazing dialogue. It's a people's play."

Stop Kiss's format is different from what audiences may be used to. At th e beginning, audiences might be confused by its non-sequential chronology. Playgoers must pay attention to detail to figure out the story, Thomas said.

"It's not the usual kind of play," Thomas said. "It keeps the audience on their toes."

Wise also said he believes the play will be entertaining to the Penn State community.

"This is really a play that appeals to all ages, so I'd really like to see the students out there," he said.