Region – Worcester State University’s Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) Department will feature Northborough native Maxwell Petrie and Shrewsbury native Vincent Pellegrino in a virtual performance of “Oedipus, the King” by Sophocles. This free virtual production will stream each evening 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.
Petrie, who studies Computer Science and Music, will play the role of Oedipus and Pellegrino, who studies Visual and Performing Arts, Political Science, Geography and Global Studies, will play the role of Shepherd of Laius. The production is described as a reflection of 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 that 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.
A live, interactive “talk back” with the cast will immediately follow the opening night presentation on Dec. 3. A link to the shows will be featured on the VPA website prior to showtimes: www.worcester.edu/Visual-and-Performing-Arts/.
While the online production is free to watch, the show’s director, Adam Zahler, who is a professor and chair of the theatre department, said that optional donation information will be provided at the conclusion of each stream 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 Fueller Theatre with ticket admissions, funds that are critical for supporting conference attendance, guest artists, and other academic endeavors for our students,” said Zahler. “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 through the distance.”
Those interested in supporting the fund can make donations via this site: http://alumni.worcester.edu/VPArts.
“Oedipus, the King” is presented in special arrangement with Concord Theatricals Company. For more information, contact Adam Zahler at [email protected].
For more information about the Worcester State VPA department visit www.worcester.edu/VPA, Facebook/VPAatWorcesterState, Twitter, Instagram, and the The Artful Lancer blog at WSUVPA.wordpress.com, as well as the WSU VPA YouTube channel.
Photos/submitted
