On Saturday, Feb. 10, during the final performance of “Alice in Wonderland” for 2024, Dr. Jean Jackson announced that this was to be her final year as the director of the production. She then announced that the role of director would be taken over by Elizabeth Yaros, ’06, Associate Director of International Programs. As a Meredith alumna, Yaros has experienced the “Alice in Wonderland” tradition in multiple capacities.
The Herald spoke to Yaros about what taking on the role means to her after experiencing “Alice” as both a student and faculty member. When Yaros first experienced Alice as a sophomore in 2004, she said there was an “electric anticipation” surrounding the performance, but she had no idea what to expect. Yaros said that what she remembers most from her first “Alice” experience is “the laughter and joy at seeing [her] professors and mentors showcasing their talents and having a rollicking good time–all for [the students]. How special.” She reflected on her time in “Alice” as a faculty member and said that she’s most thankful for how the tradition “builds and strengthens relationships with one another and our students, all while having such good fun!”
When asked about what it means for her to be taking over this role from Dr. Jackson Yaros said that her years as a student at Meredith were “illuminated by Dr. Jackson’s whimsy, wit and magic.” Yaros continued by saying, “Every one of my Meredith milestones features [Dr. Jackson] and shines more brightly because of her poetry and presence.” When speaking about stepping into the role following Dr. Jackson’s leadership, Yaros said that she believes she has “big and impossible shoes to fill, that is for sure,” but that she is also “honored, humbled and grateful to play a role in bringing this beloved tradition to life every four years.”
Dr. Jackson became the “Alice” director in 1992 and has held the position ever since. When The Herald asked Jackson about how she feels to be “passing the torch” to Yaros, she said, “With her love of Meredith College and ‘Alice in Wonderland,’ Liz Yaros will do a remarkable job of carrying ‘Alice’ well into her second century here at Meredith.” Jackson shared that directing “Alice” has been a “labor of love” and that she has enjoyed “collaborating with colleagues and surprising students for the last forty years.” She said “Alice in Wonderland” is a “remarkably resilient reminder that Meredith students, faculty and staff take delight in each other.”
Since Alice is performed by faculty and staff every four years, the next production will take place in 2028. When asked what students and returning alumni can expect, Yaros said, “Wonderland will always be waiting for [the Meredith community]. While there may be new mysteries and twists to the show, what will remain true about “Alice” is the legacy that Dr. Jackson leaves in [the cast’s] hands: that this tradition is an outpouring of love and fun to [Meredith’s] current students, to alums, and to generations past.”
By Haileigh West, Associate Editor
Photo courtesy of Liz Yaros