The ETSU Theatre and Dance department opens the doors for “Androcles and the Lion” on Thursday, Oct. 20, at 7:30 p.m. in the Bert C. Bach Theatre inside the Martin Center.
This production will be the first of many directed by the department’s newest addition, Ante Ursić. The production follows the storyline of an older children’s fable, but the production team said it is meant for people of all ages.
“Androcles and the Lion,” incorporates a theatrical form called commedia dell’arte. This art form focuses the audience in on the performer’s physical movements rather than dialogue. Typically, performers wear masks to portray their roles and societal standings in the story but can sometimes wear heavy makeup, according to Ursić.
“[Commedia dell’arte] is a realm of theatre that not a lot of people are used to and they don’t normally see; they are used to your specific dramas, and thrillers, and all that stuff,” said stage manager Savannah Spangler, “Here at ETSU, you’re getting the opportunity to experience types of theatre, especially like this, and learning more about this form.”
Spangler also mentioned the complications in this art form that performers often face. She explained that the masks worn must always be facing the audience during the entirety of the show. Ursić further explained that, during conversations between characters, they are only allowed to face the person they are talking to when not being spoken to.
“I am excited for the jokes and funny things we have integrated and sounds, stuff that I think will be a lot of fun and I hope that [the production] will bring a lot of laughs,” said stage manager Natasha Carpenter.
The production was chosen during a script reading held last semester in preparation for this year. Those in attendance fell in love with the show and fully committed to it in that moment, according to Ursić, which he enjoyed due to his knowledge in commedia dell’arte.
“Students really fell in love with the piece and I became very curious about it because I never heard of the comedia play of the fable…being written in the comedia del arte form, I thought I could bring my strengths in it while students being really into it,” said Ursić.
Ursić mentioned the production is more cartoonish than most productions.
The department has not had a children’s show in a while, so they felt this production would help attract younger audiences, according to Spangler. The production requires a lot of physical movement from the performers, since it includes a large portion of acrobatics.
“I’m most excited for the scene following the fight scene where the lion has a thorn stuck in its paw,” said Rebekah Williams, who is playing Androcles. “It is such a sweet moment of just like learning how to trust another person and being able to learn how to trust another person for the first time.”
The production is being showcased to Washington County schools on the morning before one of their evening shows.
“The main goal is to give students who can’t attend the opportunity to come out and see our shows, and the schools were more than happy to come,” said Carpenter.
“Androcles and the Lion,” will be performed on Oct. 20 and 21 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 22 and 23 at 2 p.m. The production crew will be offering a sensory-friendly version of the production for audience members during the Saturday matinee.
The director would also like to thank all of the production crew members including: Lorrie Anderson, Jess Richardson, Bobby Funk, Jonathon Taylor, Zach Olsen, Melissa Shafer, Beth Skinner and Brad Fugate.
To learn more about the production visit etsu.edu/cas/theatre or call 423-439-2787.
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