The Visual and Performing Arts Department will present “Oedipus, the King” by Sophocles on Thursday, Dec. 3, through Wednesday, Dec. 9, via an online performance. The special theater production reflects current events with its relevant storyline and creative presentation.
In the play, translated by Nicholas Rudall, the citizens of Thebes are dismayed and angered because their city is beset with a plague. They demand their king, Oedipus, save them. When Oedipus learns that the plague is caused by a man who is cursed, he must find the man and deport him in order to save the city.
The dynamic virtual production is scheduled to stream nightly at 7:30 p.m. from Thursday, Dec. 3, through Wednesday, Dec. 9, with a 2 p.m. matinee stream available on Sunday, Dec. 6. A live, interactive “talk back” with the cast will immediately follow the opening night presentation on Dec. 3. Prior to showtime, viewers should visit VPA’s website via www.worcester.edu/Visual-and-Performing-Arts for a blue button that links to the show.
While audience members will have the opportunity to watch the online production for free, Worcester State University Visual and Performing Arts Chair and Theater Professor Adam Zahler, who is directing the show, says that organizers will provide information at the conclusion of each stream to collect optional donations to support the Focus on the Arts fund at Worcester State.
“In a typical semester, VPA theatre productions take place in person with our audiences in Fuller Theatre with ticket admissions, funds that are critical for supporting conference attendance, guest artists, and other academic endeavors for our students,” Zahler says. “While current events have changed how we deliver the arts right now, we’re committed to adapting to the times and encouraging our students as they turn to their arts. VPA is proud of the hard work of this cast and crew, and we’re excited to make ‘Oedipus, the King’ accessible to others at the distance.”
Those interested in supporting the Focus on the Arts fund can make donations via this site: http://alumni.worcester.edu/VPArts. [1]
Cast of Characters
Maxwell Petrie as Oedipus, the king
Julia Duggan as Jocasta, the queen
Liam Carmody as Creon, brother to the queen
Bellalorraine Carey-Hicks as Teiresias, a prophet
Autumn Thebodo as priest of Zeus
Angie Morales as messenger
Vincent Pellegrino as shepherd of Laius
Chorus
Jade Pennington
Anne Elizabeth Wahba
Ryann Jerome
Angel Miguel Sotomayor
Ziray Dejesus
Ben Leibowitz
Kristen Cuccoli
Adam Zahler, Director
Karen Shalev, Stage Manager
Designers and Technical Staff
Susan Johnson-Hood, Costume Designer
John Howell Hood, Scenic Designer, Titles and Credits
Nathan K Lee, Lighting Designer/Technical Director/Editor
Collin Turner, Sound Designer/Editor
Aneesah James, Poster Designer
Collin Turner and John Howell Hood, Videographers
Rosemary Blair and Bellalorraine Carey-Hicks, Wardrobe
Stagehands
Vincent Pellegrino
Rosemary Blair
Melody Tong
Justin Turgeon
Scenic, Costume, Lighting Assistants
Bellalorraine Carey-Hicks
Evelyne Onuonka
Vincent Pellegrino