BATESVILLE — It may have looked like a war zone after the Edwards Commons building burned to the ground on the afternoon of Oct. 26 on the campus of Lyon College.

A four-alarm fire destroyed the building, and arson is suspected; however, the Batesville Fire Department kept the fire from affecting other buildings on campus.

Since being constructed in 1977, Edwards Commons had served as a dining hall for students, faculty and administration. Although the loss of the structure was upsetting for those who currently used it and those who had in the past, some debris from the fire has been collected and will be used as a stage set for a new production by the Harlequin Theatre at Lyon College.

The spring production, The Trojan Women, is a classical Greek tragedy that portrays the brutality of war depicted through the lives of women who lived in the cities that were at war.

Based on the battle between the Greeks and the Trojans, the play shows the effects of the war on the women, who were waiting at home for the men to return from the war.

The play is directed by Michael Counts, who said it reflects current world affairs, and the antiwar theme of the play may resonate with people today.

“[The debris from Edwards Commons] will be a reminder of the destruction of war,” Counts said. “The reality of the fire that destroyed most of Edwards Commons is a reality that Iraqis and Afghans face every day. In the play, Cassandra says, ‘A wise man does not go to war.’ Most Americans oppose our war efforts in those countries, as did Euripides and many of his countrymen oppose the wars in ancient Greece. Those attending the play will have the opportunity to sign a donation book to help in the rebuilding of Edwards Commons.”

Set designer Collin Brown had the idea to use parts of the burned building for the production.

“Part of what I believe Euripides is illustrating in The Trojan Women is that we are all vulnerable to subjugation and cruelty,” Brown said. “Using the debris from our recently destroyed student union and cafeteria is something that I hope will reinforce Euripides’ message that ‘this can happen to you.’”

Brown and several theater students sifted through the dining-hall debris and collected bricks, twisted metal, chairs and other items. Brown salvaged a blackened plate, but the Lyon College seal on it was still visible. A blackened soup ladle and chair springs will litter the floor of the stage as well as a charred chair from the president’s dining room. Faux blood will be splattered about to further emphasize the devastation of war.

“As far as my inspiration for using the charred debris goes, the play is set after the Greeks have burned Troy and torn down the walls brick by brick,” Brown said. “My office faces the former student union and cafeteria. After a few days of watching the smoldering remains from my office window, it occurred to me that I could build something that looked destroyed, or I could just walk over and pick it up. I opted to just pick it up.”

The play’s cast consists of students Justin Holmes, Lauren Bass, Kelsey Lack, Lauren Holt, Victor Wilson, Kelley Wyatt, Nina McCoy, Logan Watkins, Vivian Onyekwelu and Arthur Gilbert.

Performances are scheduled for 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 20.

Call (870) 307-7510 for reservations.

All Lyon faculty, staff and students are admitted free.