Theatre Department News

Ancient Greek Tragedy Raises the Curtain on the Monmouth College Theatre Season

 Euripides’ THE BACCHAE opens the 2012-13 Monmouth College Theatre Season. Performances are October 25, 26, and 27 at 7:30 pm; October 28 at 2:00 pm in the Wells Theatre; located at 9^th and Broadway on the Monmouth College campus. Tickets are $4 for MC students and staff, $5 for other Students and Senior citizens, and $6 for Adults. New this year, patrons may reserve seats online by going to http://department.monm.edu/theatre/tickets.htm. Those without internet access can call Dr. Bill Wallace at 309.457.2374 for reservations. Due to mature subject matter and graphic presentation of human remains, THE BACCHAE is not suitable for those under the age of 13.

Dionysius, the Greek God of Wine, (played by junior Nick Dadds) has returned to his homeland of Thebes. There he finds the new King, Pentheus (played by senior Patrick Le Blanc) has decreed anyone caught worshipping Dionysius is to be put in chains and imprisoned. Dionysius’ anger leads to the killing of Pentheus by his mother Agave (played by junior Jordan Boland), the exile of Cadmus, the old King of Thebes, (played by first year student Bill Armonda) and the general destruction of the Theban community.

 Dionysius returns to Thebes bringing with him a group of worshippers. This Chorus of Bacchae includes sophomore Gege Carr as the Chorus Leader, and first year student Kelsi Ford, sophomore Emilie Therrien, juniors Ashley Corbin, Joy Meyer and seniors Mary Bohlander, Kelly Klikas, Alexis Fulkerson, Shelby Courtois, and Ariel Guerrero as member of the Chorus.

 As is often the case in Ancient Greek tragedy, there are those who try to be the voice of reason, only to be disregarded. Here these roles are filled by the prophet Tiresias, played by junior T.J. Hill and Messengers, played by first year student Zach Platt and sophomore Anthony Occhipinti.

 Serving as Soldiers and Attendants to Pentheus are first year students Adam Duffield, Ruben Lima, and Wade Ewalt, along with sophomores Nick Daniels and Kyle Dickson.

 THE BACCHAE is directed by Theatre Department Chair Dr. Bill Wallace. Set and Lighting Designer is Prof. Doug Rankin, the MC Theatre’s Designer and Technical Director.  THE BACHAE features Hair and Makeup Design by senior Michael Carioto, who also serves as Stage Manager for the production. Theatre Costume Shop Supervisor Patricia Andresen is the Costume Designer, with senior Michael Miller creating a complex Sound Design. Sophomore Anthony Occhipinti is creating Video work for the show and junior Ashley Corbin provides Choreography for the Greek Chorus. Rounding out the production team is senior Melissa O’Shea who serves as the Dramaturge, and sophomore Rachel Whitlock, who is the Assistant Stage Manager.

There will be two special events for opening night (October 25) of the show. Beginning at 5 pm in the Private Dining Room (Stockdale Center), a dinner and pre-show talk will be offered. The meal, which is open to the public, can be reserved by contacting Dr. Bill Wallace at 309.457.2374 or billw@monmouthcollege.edu. After the meal, Classics Department Chair Dr. Tom Sienkewicz will present an illustrated talk on what it would have been like to attend the first performance of THE BACCHAE in 404 B.C. After the performance on Thursday the 25^th, Classics Department Faculty member Dr. Nick Dobson will lead a Question and Answer session with the audience and the cast.

Director Wallace notes that THE BACCHAE “is not for the faint of heart” but promises the show will be “interesting, intense, and certainly worth the price of admission!” Those who have questions or need further information about THE BACCHAE should contact Wallace.