'Oedipus the King' to launch FC theatre season
— Fullerton College Hornet - Staff Writer - Friday, October 29th, 1976
The Fullerton College Theatre Arts Department will present "Oedipus the King," as its fall production, Nov. 4-5 and 11-13.
The play, written in 430 B.C. by Sophocles, is based on the myth of man's effort to circumvent the divine will of God, in this case, Apollo. It will be presented within a primitive, highly stylized motif, rather than the traditional classical style.
Vocal and physical gymnastics performed in stylized masks and vibrant costumes on a massive raked stage setting suggestive of the mountainous areas of Crete combine to make the story of the prideful Oedipus, alive and understandable for a modern audience.
The part of Oedipus will be played by Ken Mikell. Oedipus' queen, and partner in tragedy, Jocasta, will be portrayed by'Nedda Shrum. Harvey Hand plays Creon, Jocasta's brother.
Other lead roles are Lori Grifo, the palace messenger; Theresa May and Blaine Baker, the choral leaders; William Fuller, a guard; and Sean and Erin Glen, as the children of Oedipus and Jocasta.
Directing "Oedipus" will be James. E. Henderson. The mask and costumes are being designed by Nixson Borah. Vocals and choreography is being directed by specialist Miriam Tait. FC instructor Charles Kading designed the stage setting. Ron Aja, Campus Theatre auditorium technician, is in charge of lighting.
Curtain time is 8 p.m. For further information, contact the FC Theatre Arts box office at (714) 871-8000 Ext. 77.
Areas of Study...
Acting, Performance and Musical Theatre
Each season of plays provides a wide variety of roles and production post experiences for Theatre students. High production values, current state of the art technologies, and a wide spectrum of very challenging styles and subject matter make the performance venues excellent laboratories for student exploration and growth.
Directing and Playwriting
Few community colleges offer students opportunities to study directing and playwrighting in their first two years of undergraduate study. Students follow the classwork they successfully complete with opportunities to compete for assignments in the Playwrights Festival and the Directors Festival.
General Education
For both the non-major and the major alike, the Theatre Arts general education courses meet university transfer requirements and allow the student to build a strong foundation of introductory knowledge to the many facets of theatre-making and theatre-study.