 The usual venue for the theater productions at the college is the
main stage at the Johnston Center for Performing Arts. That will not
be the case for "The Tempest." Director Kenneth Kendall has chosen
to present the play outdoors at the Creekside Environmental Center,
an easy 5-mile drive north of Lincoln. Creekside is the site for
environmental studies at the college."The Tempest" was written in
1610-1611 and is considered to be the last play that William
Shakespeare wrote without collaboration. It tells the story of
Prospero and his daughter, who have been stranded for years on a
deserted island, sent there by usurpers to the throne of his
country. Prospero uses his powers as a wizard to create a storm, the
tempest, to force a passing ship filled with his enemies to land on
the island. What ensues is a powerful play about revenge, redemption
and love.
The gods Ceres (Lauren Stanfield), Juno (Bobby Wilhelmson) and Iris (India Stoddard) welcome
theatergoers to "The Tempest." |
"The Tempest" will be presented Oct. 2-6. The performances will
begin Wednesday evening and continue through Saturday with curtain
at sunset, 6:30 p.m. The Sunday performance will be a 2 p.m.
matinee.
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 Spending a cool fall afternoon or evening at Creekside will be a
unique theater experience. Professor Dennis Campbell, Creekside site
director, is helping with the preparations. Not only is the stage
unusual, but the staging will feature an imaginative use of green
lighting.
All of the shows will begin on a diamond-shaped stage in the
field on the west side of the classroom buildings at the Creekside
site. As the sun sets, lighting will be provided by torches and
solar lights -- thus the green lighting. Once the production is
underway, the cast will spill off the stage and mingle with the
audience. This is going to be a memorable event.
The Creekside site will be open one hour before the show begins.
Theatergoers are encouraged to bring their own chairs or blankets to
sit on. Attendees can bring a picnic supper if they want, although
alcohol is not allowed on the site. Also, because of limited
parking, carpooling is suggested. Directions to Creekside will be on
the Lincoln College website, and signs will be posted showing the
way.
Tickets will be available at the Lincoln College box office. Call
217-732-3155, ext. 280. Tickets will also be available at the
Creekside Environmental Center before each performance. Ticket
prices are $5 for the public and $1 for students.
In case inclement weather pops up, the play will be moved to the
open-air classroom at Creekside. If rainy weather is forecast
earlier in the day, the show will be staged in the Johnston Center
on the LC campus.
[By
CURT FOX] |
