'OEDIPUS REX' FACES WAR, PESTILENCE IN APRIL 25-29 PRODUCTION

From: Media Relations

Jocasta played by Arianna Warner and Oedipus played by Brandon C. Ferraro
April 13, 2006

HARRISONBURG — James Madison University's School of Theatre and Dance will present Sophocles' "Oedipus Rex" in Latimer-Shaeffer Theatre, Duke Hall, from Tuesday through Saturday, April 25-29, at 8 p.m.

Sophocles, one of the great dramatists of the Athenian golden age, wrote more than 120 plays, though only seven of his tragedies survive. "Oedipus Rex" is often considered a "perfectly structured" play.

This JMU production of the classic developed out of a fall-semester seminar on Sophocles' "Oedipus" in which each student was required to write her or his own version of the play as a final project. This "Oedipus Rex" aims to be a thought-provoking and entertaining evening replete with sumptuous costumes and an elaborate set.

Set in late 19th century Austria — reflective of a period on the verge of cataclysmic war — the play starts a decade-and-a-half after Oedipus becomes Thebes' king, with a pestilence raging and the people asking him to rescue them once more.

Cast members include Brandon C. Ferraro as Oedipus, Stephanie Ganacoplos as the Priest, Kevin Hasser as Creon, Travis Hockswender as Tiresius, Arainna Warner as Jocasta, Richard Mooney as the Messenger, Megan Tusing as the Herdsman and Kristen Long as the Second Messenger. Chorus members Brynn Dorsey, Cynthia R. Leal, Sade Namei, Eric Schulman and Chorus understudy Lindsay Long round out the cast.

Tickets are $8 general admission and $6 for children under 12, senior citizens and JACard holders. For ticket information, call the JMU Masterpiece Season box office at (540) 568-7000 or (877) 201-7543 (toll free). The box office is in Room 1107, Harrison Hall, and is open from noon to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

For tickets, call (540) 568-7000 or (877) 201-7543 (toll free), noon-4 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information or photos, contact Elizabeth Simmons at (540)568-7836 or simmonea@jmu.edu.

Visit the School of Theatre and Dance online at www.jmu.edu/theatre.

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