Georgia Southern Theatre & Performance goes medieval with “The Mysteries: Creation”
The Theatre & Performance program at Georgia Southern University continues the 2015-16 season with Bernie Sahlins’ and Nick Rudall’s “The Mysteries: Creation.”
Directed by Lisa Abbott, “The Mysteries: Creation” is a modern adaptation of the medieval mystery plays that were used to share Bible stories in the days when literacy was often limited to the churches and church leaders. This production explores the biblical tales of the Creation, Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, Noah and the Ark, Abraham and Isaac and ends with the Nativity. The show is an interactive experience with audience members invited onto the stage to join in song and dance in celebration of these stories.
During the Middle Ages various guilds of workers were each responsible for the different stories presented during church festivals. Georgia Southern’s production reflects that history with the actors playing a company of modern-day blue-collar workers coming together to perform the play. The set, props and costumes are a creative conglomeration of found materials that reflect the simple faith of the performers. A live rock band on stage adds to the energy and excitement of the performance.
Featured actors in this production include Akil Jackson as God, Whitaker Gardner as Lucifer, Tyra Wilson as Gabriel and Kathryn Burrell as Mary.
The performance is family friendly and a great theatre experience for young children. “The Mysteries: Creation” opens Wednesday, Nov. 11, and runs through Wednesday, Nov. 18, in the Black Box Theatre at the University’s Center for Art & Theatre. All shows begin at 7:30 p.m. with a matinee performance on Sunday, Nov. 15, at 2 p.m. An additional evening performance has been added on Sunday, Nov. 15, at 7:30 p.m. There will be no show on Monday, Nov. 16. The house opens at 7 p.m., and audience members are encouraged to arrive no later than 7:15 p.m. to ensure good seats. All seating is general admission and the balcony will serve as overflow seating.
Student and youth tickets are $6. Faculty, staff and community tickets are $12. For more information on group prices, contact the box office at 912-478-5379. Call the box office at 912-478-5379 to make reservations. Reservation requests can be left on box office voicemail 24-hours a day. The box office is open Monday through Friday, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., for ticket purchases and reopens at 6 p.m. on performance days.
Theatre & Performance productions are made possible through funding from student activity fees.
Georgia Southern University, a public Carnegie Doctoral/Research University founded in 1906, offers more than 125 degree programs serving more than 20,500 students. Through eight colleges, the University offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs built on more than a century of academic achievement. Georgia Southern is recognized for its student-centered and hands-on approach to education. Visit GeorgiaSouthern.edu.
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