Elissa Dynes is set to premiere her contemporary adaptation of Eugene O’Neill’s one-woman play, "Before Breakfast," titled "Ro," at the inaugural Black Box Theatre of the Quad Cities Fringe Festival. The performance will take place at 7:30 PM on Sunday, August 31, 2025. This 30-minute production is part of her Independent Research Project for her MFA in International Theatre Practice and Performance at Rose Bruford College in London.

"Ro" explores the complex gender dynamics and economic pressures that influence modern relationships through the story of a 28-year-old woman named Ro. The performance highlights the emotional and financial struggles she faces, ultimately prompting her to prioritize her own well-being. Please note that the show contains content warnings for discussions surrounding mental illness, drugs, nude photography, and opioids.

Elissa Dynes is the daughter of Gary and Gammy Dynes of Annawan. Grandparents are the late Dwight and Nadine Swanson of Geneseo.

Dynes holds a degree in Theatre and Politics from the University of Dubuque and has honed her craft at the National Theater Institute in Connecticut. Her previous credits include portraying Cecily Farr in "84 Charing Cross Road" with the Richmond Hill Players. For more information about the Fringe Festival, you can visit the Black Box of the Quad Cities Facebook page