The story of Helen of Troy, Achilles and Hector is a big, big tale—one that has lasted thousands of years—and will be told in a fresh new way starting this weekend at Bellarmine University’s Blackbox Theatre in the Wyatt Centre for the Arts.
Achilles in Sparta
opens the 2010-2011 Bellarmine theatre program October 22. This exciting retelling by playwright Sharr White comes to life under the guidance of director Carlos Chavarria, 12 cast members, artfully manipulated life-size puppets and larger-than-life masks. In the classical story, a nation prepares for war after the abduction of Helen, their symbol of hope and “the face that launched a thousand ships.”
Says Chavarria, who is also the academic director of Bellarmine’s theatre program, “This is an incredible production—an opportunity to create visual theatricality through the use of masks, puppets, movement, and sound and space.” And while familiarity with the story is not necessary to enjoy the program, even seasoned classicists will find something to enjoy: “It’s something the students and I’m sure the community is not accustomed to seeing in theatre,” Chavarria adds.
Chavarria’s student performers include Victoria Reibel, Patrick Jerger, Sydney Miller, Sarah Davis, Victoria DeRose, Sam Kloeker, Anne Baumer, Joey Clements, Drew Chambers, Callie Egbert, Ellen Davis and Jessica Starr.
The production, which is appropriate for audiences age 12 and older, runs October 22, 24, 28, 29 and 30. All performances begin at 8 p.m., except on Sunday, October 24, which begins at 7 p.m. Admission is $10, or $5 for students and senior citizens. Tickets are available at the door or by reservation at
.
Contact the author at
or
.
Photo: Flickr/
