Posted on Friday, November 13, 2020
The sky was brightening and the air was filled with the sounds of birds welcoming the morning. Students wrapped in Greek attire sat in character among the trees as audiences arrived on the lawn of Sunny Gables.
An actor stepped forward and spoke the first lines of the Greek drama “Medea” performed at sunrise, just as the Greeks did thousands of years ago.
Live theater had returned to the Hill, despite the challenges of the pandemic.
And now, filmed versions of “Medea” and “Antigone,” the two Greek plays performed in September, are available on the college’s YouTube channel.
Director Kim Barber Knoll, Coordinator of Theatre Arts, said she is thrilled that students were able to perform in fully recognized outdoor productions.
“Full audiences of 20 were masked and socially distanced, sitting in camp chairs or ob blankets,” she said. “It's wonderful that we can share these with everyone. Dean Hartman and Lee Davis in Communications and Marketing were pivotal in making this happen.”
Each play ran 30 to 40 minutes. At the conclusion of “Medea,” the audience was invited to walk a short way to a dry creek bed at Hills and Dales for “Antigone.”
The cast rehearsed for 4½ weeks at dawn to prepare, but no one regretted it.
“If I'm being honest, I'm not particularly a morning person, so I was not always fond of waking up early,” said senior Landon Bell, a Musical Theatre major. “However, once I arrived at rehearsal and began working, I was incredibly motivated and inspired.
“Working on these plays while the sun was coming up was indescribable and such an incredible experience.”
It was especially meaningful for senior Jaylynn Mangual, also a Musical Theatre major, who played Medea.
“Medea has been my dream role ever since I studied her in ‘Period Styles of Acting’ and ‘Script Analysis’ classes,” Jaylynn said. “Professor Knoll told me this character was going to challenge me like no other – and she was right.”
Jaylynn was over the moon.
“I totally flipped out with excitement,” she said. “I knew I was going to be able to use all the work on Medea that I had done in past classes, and it was gratifying to have an extended period of time to work on the role.”
Senior Rachel Cartwright, also a Musical Theatre major, had her own adventure.
“I was the costumer for ‘Medea’ and played Ismene in ‘Antigone,” she said. “A week and a half before opening, one of our actors in the women’s chorus in ‘Medea’ had to be quarantined. I ended up with roles in both shows. It was definitely a challenge.”
Freshman Theatre Arts major Carlie Jones said earning the role of Antigone meant the world to her.
“To get a leading role like that as a freshman was such an amazing opportunity,” she said. “It gave me such confidence that I can do anything if I set my heart on it.”
Devin Fourqurean, a senior Theatre Arts major, served double duty, too. She played the Nurse in “Medea” and stage-managed “Antigone.” She said her job in “Antigone” was aided by their surroundings.
“Stage management becomes a wee bit easier when nature is your stage and provides the lighting.”
Both shows are now available on YouTube.
Dr. Kelly Veal, Assistant Professor in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, spoke Tuesday at the Chamber of Commerce’s Early Bird Breakfast. She discussed the state’s current mental health crisis and how to be an advocate for mental wellness in the workplace.
Campus Life has scheduled several events for next week leading up to finals that begin Nov. 20. The fun includes a bubble wrap giveaway, dance breaks in the library, Operation Gratitude, a talk about spiritual practices for peace during anxiety, Counseling stress-less activities, a seasonal sendoff, late-night breakfast and coffee, doughnuts and protein.
There are only a few LC masks left, so get yours before they’re gone. The cost is $15, with $10 counting as a gift to help LaGrange students, or two for $25, with $15 going as a gift. Two sizes are available – S/M and L/XL. Visit here for more info.
The Writing Center will be seeing students through Reading Day and will close its general channel consultations and appointments on Nov. 20.
Dr. John Tures, Professor of Political Science, published his article “A Disputed Election Delivered 3 Governors to Georgia – At the Same Time” in The Conversation. It was reprinted in Yahoo News, Houston Chronicle, MSN and a number of other small newspapers. Dr. Tures also was interviewed by Le Temps, a Swiss Magazine, about the 2020 Election. He is featured in the article "Le trumpisme survivra à Trump."
Check LC Connect for Virtual CE events and instructions. For in-person events, all COVID guidelines apply.
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Two plays performed by LaGrange College Theatre Arts are testimony to the adage, "When things get tough, the creative get creative." Staged outdoors in original masks in September 2020, LaGrange was able to defy the COVID-19 pandemic and create a unique theatrical event.
Category: Arts and Culture, Students, College, Events, Academics
Keywords: theater drama Greek plays
