The 2015-2016 theatre season at Lee University will soon be underway, encompassing adaptations of classical literature.
“We are excited to provide a season of such interesting and known stories for our community where we can examine the depth of the human experience,” said Dr. Christine Williams, associate professor of theatre at Lee.
Review for the performances:
The season opens on Oct. 2 with Pulitzer Prize-winning drama “Doubt: A Parable” by John Patrick Shanley. Directed by Dr. Williams, the play will be performed in the Buzz Oates Black Box Theater, located in the Communication Arts building.
The play features the story of a 1960’s parish in New York struggling with the suspicion of abuse in the priesthood. Elder nun Sister Aloysius suspects the young and charming Father Flynn of inappropriate behavior towards a child in the parish school. Young nun Sister James is unsure of who to trust and support as she is placed in the middle of two powerful figures.
On Nov. 6, the season will continue with Jon Ludwig’s “Treasure Island,” a 2009 winner for the AATE Distinguished Play Award, Best Adaptation. The play will be directed by Assistant Professor of Theatre Dan Buck and performed in the Dixon Center over Homecoming weekend.
“The Odyssey,” a dramatic adaptation of Homer’s myth by Mary Zimmerman, will open Feb. 12, 2016, in the Buzz Oates Black Box Theater under the direction of Mr. Buck.
Ms. Zimmerman’s interpretation begins with a modern young woman who is struggling to understand Robert Fitzgerald’s translation of “The Odyssey.” A classical muse appears, and the young woman becomes the goddess Athena – a tireless advocate for Odysseus in his struggle to get home. With her trademark irreverent and witty twist on classic works, Ms. Zimmerman brings to life the story of Odysseus’s ten-year journey, depicting his encounters with characters such as Circe, the Cyclops, Poseidon, Calypso, the Sirens, and others.
The season will close with “The Diary of Anne Frank,” adapted by Wendy Kesselman, beginning April 8, 2016, for Lee Day. It will be performed in the Dixon Center under the direction of Dr. Williams.
In this gripping new adaptation by Ms. Kesselman, from the original stage play by Goodrich and Hackett, newly discovered writings from Anne Frank, as well as survivor accounts, are interwoven to create a contemporary impassioned story of the lives of people persecuted under Nazi rule. This is an adaptation for a new generation able to confront the true horrors of the Holocaust.
“We are excited to present four familiar titles and have exciting ideas that will thrill our audiences,” said Mr. Buck.
Along with Mr. Buck and Dr. Williams, Catherine Mantooth will serve as the production manager and lighting designer for the four plays, while Jared Cole will be the scenic designer and technical director. Ms. Mantooth and Mr. Cole are both full-time faculty in Lee’s Department of Communication Arts.
Tickets will be available at the Box Office in the Communication Arts Building Monday-Friday, 3-6 p.m., during the week leading up to the show, and one hour before curtain time at the box office in the location of the play. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for children, seniors, and students.
For more information, visit www.leeuniversity/edu/theatre or email theatre@leeuniversity.edu. Fans may also follow Lee University Theatre on Facebook.