The spring theater season at Washington College continues to feature plays directed by senior drama majors as their culminating “capstone” thesis for graduation. These productions, running Fridays and Saturdays from March 20 to April 24, range from intense and intimate two-actor plays, to a musical, to Shakespeare performed on the campus’s front lawn. The series began last weekend with the family drama ofNext to Normal, the musical by Brian Yorkey and Tom Kitt, directed by Amanda Varvar ’15. It continues this weekend with Red, a play about artist Mark Rothko.
With the exception of Henry V, the shows will begin at 7:30 p.m. (Latecomers will not be allowed inside once the show has begun). Admission is free. Reservations are suggested; email [email protected] or call 410-778-7800 ext. 7835. For more information visit https://www.washcoll.edu/departments/drama/.
Red
By John Logan
A Senior Directing Thesis by Austin Lewis
April 3 and 4, Decker Theatre, Gibson Center for the Arts
Red focuses on the abstract expressionist painter Mark Rothko during the creation of his famous Seagram Murals and as seen through the eyes of his young assistant, Ken. Over the course of the play the two exchange ideas about art, life and the dynamic nature of humanity while constructing and painting the murals that would capture the attention of so many around the world.
Henry V
By William Shakespeare
A Senior Directing Thesis by Nicholas O’Meally
April 10 and 11, outdoors (rain or shine) on the Campus Green in front of William Smith Hall
Shows will be staged at 4:30 p.m., with an additional Saturday matinee at 11:30 a.m. April 11.
Reborn and set in modern times, Henry V questions our understanding of morality and glory in times of war. As the newly crowned King of England makes his claim to the throne of France, his leadership is tested in the face of impossible odds both on the battlefield and in the palace. Friendships will be lost, national identity will be tested, and blood will be shed. For if Henry shall rise, many must fall.
Venus in Fur
By David Ives
A Senior Directing Thesis by Mackenzie Turnbull
April 17 and 18, Rehearsal Room 229, Gibson Center for the Arts
When Vanda, a mysterious young actress, shows up at Thomas Novachek’s auditions for his new play Venus in Fur, the two don’t seem to have anything in common. But as the night and audition progress, they dive into the script, blurring the lines between the play and reality. As each struggles for dominance in this strange new relationship, it becomes clear that only one of them can have the power in this sexy battle of the sexes.
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