STUDENT PERFORMANCE FESTIVAL TO EXPLORE DARK SIDES OF HUMAN NATURE
Old Dominion University Theatre will produce five pieces in this year's Spring Performance Festival, "From Behind the Dark Curtain," which runs April 13-14 and 17-22. Each student-directed piece explores the dark sides of human nature and how the human spirit can rise above darkness.
Joey Octaviano will direct "140" by Marsha Norman. This one-act play, inspired by William Shakespeare's Sonnet 140, deals with infidelity and deception.
Benny Lee Harris Lumpkins Jr. will direct "Stories My Father Told Me," which is adapted from faculty member Frankie Little Hardin's play "My Father Told Me." Hardin's original piece explores the heritage of African-American folklore through the experience of one family.
"Honor, Dignity, Fight" is an original piece written and directed by Matt Mozingo. Mozingo choreographed the stunts in Old Dominion University's recent production of "The Government Inspector" and will create several fight scenes with his ensemble cast.
Jillian Green will direct Susan Cinnoman's "Fitting Rooms," a one-act play featuring several women at a crossroads in their lives. The characters range from an attention-starved teen to a high-powered businesswoman, each with a need to shed layers of masking to uncover the truth beneath.
"Cognac and Roses" is an exploration of the life, work and mystery of Edgar Allen Poe. This original piece was created by an ensemble of Old Dominion students and alumni, including Mike Brown, Edwin Castillo, Melissa Coleman, Ricky D'Alonso, Emel Ertugrul, Rick Frazier, J.R. Heckler, Shaun Krueger, Brant Powell and Courtney Wolter. The piece will touch on the motivation behind "The Poe Toaster," the mysterious visitor to Poe's grave site each year.
Showtimes are 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday at the Stables Theatre on Hampton Boulevard. Tickets are $10 for general admission, $7.50 for students and $6 for Old Dominion students with university ID. For reservations or more information call 683-5305.