Laura Estandia, a senior English and theater major, is directing a student production of "Third" for her final senior project.

The show is a controversial story about reverse discrimination and the tensions among the social and political structures of society.

The play takes place at a small liberal arts college in New England during the 2002 to 2003 academic school year.

The plot revolves around Professor Laurie Jameson accusing one of her students of plagiarism.

"Issues of plagiarism should hit close to home," Estandia said. "The play also addresses the fact that there is more to education than just reading books or winning awards for academics."

The cast includes three other seniors who are also using this production as their final theater 490 project: Elise Edson, who plays Laurie Jameson, Walker Foley, who plays Woodson Bull III and Bitz Penrod, who plays Nancy Gordon.

"Nothing feels better than when you complete a scene, turn to the actor beside you and both know that something just worked that time," Penrod said. "That organic feeling is what every actor works for."

Besides a talented cast, audiences should also look forward to the production's deeper meanings and underlying plotlines, Estandia said.

The play addresses modern and controversial issues that affect every college student, she said.

For Estandia, "Third" has been an experience that she will remember in her theater career.

She said she is proud of her production and hopes UD students grasp the relevance of the themes presented in the performance.

"Students should come see this play because it is a timely play that deals with timeless issues," she said.

"Third" will show at 8 p.m. today and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.

The shows will be performed in the Black Box Theatre, located in the Music and Theatre Building room 137. Tickets are free.

For more information on the play, go to the "Third" Facebook event.