SU Drama’s ‘The Winter’s Tale’ encompasses wide range of emotions

SU Drama’s ‘The Winter’s Tale’ encompasses wide range of emotionsMarch 14, 2007SU News ServicesSUnews@syr.edu

The Department of Drama in SU’s College of Visual and Performing Arts presents its fifth show of the 2006-07 season, “The Winter’s Tale,” a Shakespearean quasi-fairy tale about uncontrollable jealousy and its consequences March 23-April 1 in the Storch Theatre, located at the Department of Drama/Syracuse Stage complex, 820 E. Genesee St.

Drama faculty member Malcolm Ingram directs a cast of 26 in this blend of tragedy and comedy. Classified by many experts as one of Shakespeare’s “late romances” (along with “The Tempest” and “Pericles”), “The Winter’s Tale” takes emotions full circle, with themes of jealousy and death in the first three acts that give way to renewal and rebirth in the final two acts. It is considered one of Shakespeare’s most difficult plays to produce and thus is often taken on by only the most innovative of directors.

“We spent a lot of time making sure the actors get their brains and their breath around the long thoughts,” says Ingram. “Shakespeare can be difficult to grasp, but if the actors understand what they’re saying, then the audience will get it.”

The show opens in Sicilia, where King Polixenes of Bohemia (portrayed by senior Terrence Mosley) has been visiting for some time. Sicilia’s King Leontes (senior Matt Britten), Polixenes’ childhood friend, asks Polixenes to extend his stay. Polixenes is hesitant, but is convinced by Leontes’ pregnant wife Hermione (senior Natalie Lurowist). Leontes’ suspicions that Polixenes and Hermione are having an affair become an all-consuming jealousy, leading him to order that Hermione’s baby be abandoned in the wilderness. When the Oracle of Delphi reveals that Leontes can have no heir until his missing child is found, the search is on for the would-be princess, Perdita (sophomore Stella Heath), who Leontes hopes is still alive.

Scenic design for “The Winter’s Tale” is by senior Hans N. Flinch, with assistance from juniors Haley Ho and Megan Moriarty. Sound design is by drama alumna Erin M. Ballantine ’01. Costume design is by senior Lindsey L. Vandevier, with assistance from sophomore Lauren Levesque. Lighting design is by senior Lauren E. Shaw with assistance from sophomore Christine E. Bernat. Stage manager is senior Kyle Koszewnik, with assistance from junior Beth Bloomfield and first-year student Kathryn Graves.

Tickets for the SU Drama production of “The Winter’s Tale” are $16 for adults and $14 for students and seniors. March 28 is “Pay What You Can Night” and is valid for SU I.D. holders. For tickets and more information, contact the SU Drama Box Office at (315) 443-3275 or visit http://vpa.syr.edu/drama.