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Adam Meyers as Creon brings news from the oracle to Oedipus at his palace. |
-Photo by Jason Harville |
The curtain went up this week at ETSU’s Bud Frank Theatre for a collaborative production of Sophocles’ “Oedipus the King” between the East Tennessee State University Division of Theatre and the Milligan College Theatre Department.
This 90-minute show runs from Nov. 19 to Nov. 23 at 7:30 p.m. and on Nov. 24 at 2 p.m.
Richard Major, chair, area of performing, visual and communicative arts, professor of theater and director and producer of the production, said this is his third time to work with “Oedipus” and it has always been one of his favorite plays.
“I love this play and the fact that it is so old but it still works,” Major said.
After examining many translations of the play, he settled on one version but adapted it from other translations.
Major said he feels the cast and company have developed a fresh interpretation of the material that will be accessible to all types of theatergoers. He described the show as the work of “some of the best creative minds in the region” which combines ancient music with a beautiful set and a 23-member cast in period costumes.
“It’s a beautiful show to look at,” Major said.
The play was cast at the end of August so that Greek face masks could be created for the actors. Major said the cast and company held 24 or 25 rehearsals before opening week.
“I like a compressed rehearsal schedule,” Major said. “That way the cast and company are peaking at just the right time.”
The cast includes James Cronin as Oedipus, Amy Tallmadge as Iocaste, Adam K. Meyers as Creon, Paul Blowers as Teiresias, Carrie Smith as the priest (choral leader), Ben Buckner as the messenger from Corinth, Roger Carson Price as the shepherd and Jonathan Hall and Mikal Joplin as messengers from the palace.
The chorus includes Amber Dawn Carderelli, Will Coleman, Erin Estep, Jefferson Harbin, Christan McKay, Nathan Moffett, Julie Roberts, Rebecca Schaffer, E.T. Tarlton, Annie Tipton,
Crystal Ann VanMeter, Lauren Vernon, Lindsey Vogt and Matthew Weedman.
“I think it’s going to be a unique experience,” Milligan sophomore Carderelli said. “Working with the masks is really different.”
Other company members include Oliver Lo, choral director, Pam Hurly, choreographer, Scott Hardy, lighting design, Scott Koenig, sound design, Melissa Shafer, scenic design, Karen Brewster, costume design, Jonathon Taylor, stage manager, Kristen Speak, assistant stage manager and Corey Sutton, hair and wig design.
Major strongly suggests that students call 439-7576 to reserve their $8 tickets.