Ways to Win the Woods is Not the Fairytale You Remember

February 10th, 2026

There is a quiet power in community and the ways in which it can both bring people together while also lifting those in need cannot be understated. Great Plains Theatre Commons is laying out a trail of breadcrumbs for audiences to understand experiencing homelessness in their newest play inspired from the classic tale of Hansel and Gretel. The original production, titled “Ways to Win the Woods” will premiere the 13th at the Hoff Center for Performing arts, beginning at 7 p.m. 

Great Plains Theatre Commons Community Connector and playwright of “Ways to Win the Woods”, Ellen Struve says she began working on the script two years ago. Through her work conducting workshops at MICAH House, Struve met Anastasia Theatre Co. Artistic Director Haley Haas doing story circles. Following a previous collaborative production titled, “Stories on the Brink”, Haas approached Struve to create a new play that would touch on the reality of navigating homelessness. 

“Ways to Win the Woods” follows the lives of two foster siblings, Hannah and Gretta. The story explores their lives after leaving their foster home once they reach adulthood. A humorous adaptation, the play highlights a balance of somber reality and unapologetic authenticity that works to showcase the humanity of the characters. 

“Ways to Win the Woods” is a collaboration between the Great Plains Theatre Commons, Anastasia Theatre Co., the Omaha Symphony, PACE and MICAH House. The play will run at the Hoff Center for the Performing Arts with the Omaha Symphony the 16th and 17th beginning at 7 p.m. The play will be performed, accompanied by a piano score, at Yates Illuminates the 15th, beginning at 2 p.m.

For more information about the production Ways to Win the Woods, visit gptcplays.com.