Betrayal, fear and paranoia invade the stage when an amnestic woman and government investigation come into “Corona” after the UFO crash of July 4, 1947. Corona, N.M. was the nearest town to this infamous incident, and the play, part of The Cohen New Work’s Festival, follows the citizens as they question the blood-covered woman who stumbled into the local bar, remembering only her first name. Despite the fictitious elements, director Diego Larrea, theatre and dance senior, worked with playwright Andy Harold, theatre and dance and radio-televison-film senior, to retain realism.

“That’s one of the main things that we want to get out there -  the idea that [this story] isn’t so farfetched. This story
could very well have been the true story of the New Mexico crash,” Larrea said.

The 10 months of work started in June 2006 when the script’s first draft was completed. Larrea cites the theatre department as key in making the process a success.

“Their knowledge has helped guide this show to what it is, because there are lot of elements that we could not have pulled off.”

“Corona” runs Saturday at 9 p.m. and Sunday at 11 a.m. in the Oscar Brockett Theatre. Admission is free.