Related Links >>
Latest Stories >>
Willamette Valley folks gear up for a heat waveTemperatures are supposed to hit the mid-90s this weekend
Idoltude: David Cook versus David Archuleta in American Idol finale Tonight we bid a fond farewell to Syesha Mercado
Opinion: Hillary Clinton wins in West Virginia, but what's the prize?Is nine delegates enough to keep her campaign afloat?
`The Great Debaters,' `Indiana Jones,' `Mad Money,' and `Untraceable' released on DVDNew DVD releases are ready to take your money
By Archive
from Salem Monthly, Section Stage
Posted on Tue Nov 01, 2005 at 02:23:46 PM PDT
Western Oregon University Theatre is breaking down lines of traditional theater with their fall production of Jean Claude van Itallie’s “The Serpent.” Directed by Dr. Michael Phillips, the ensemble cast is venturing into somewhat unknown territory and exploring the world of the avant-garde.The play itself is a nonlinear journey through a brain autopsy, the assassination of JFK, original sin, and the first murder. There are moments where the content of this play echoes an ancient Greek tragedy; there are moments where it feels more like a ballet. Itallie called it a “ceremony.” Austin Wilson, a fifth year theatre major, is – like most of the rest of the cast – performing this type of theatre for the first time.
He enjoys the creativity that is necessary during the rehearsal process.“It’s like improv with guidelines,” he said. “We have the script, but how we get there is up to us.” Sarah King, a freshman acting student, thinks this is a good transition play because it is different from the traditional plays that most high school students perform. This is exactly what Phillips is aiming for.
He wants to show his students and the audience that “realistic, kitchen-sink drama” isn’t all that is available in theatre today.
He is encouraging these fledgling actors to break away from the traditional role of trying to “act” and be free with choices they make on stage. Staged in the round, with audience members on all sides, the audience will be participants in this ceremony along with the actors.
The play runs November 16-18 at 7:30 p.m., with a matinee performance on November 19 at Rice Auditorium at Western Oregon University. For more information about the production or for ticket prices, please contact the Western Oregon box office at (503) 838-8462.
Post A Comment | "THE SERPENT": WOU THEATRE GOES AVANT-GARDE | 0 comments
