USU Theatre Presents 'Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead'

A comedy based on two minor characters in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” is up next at Utah State University.

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, presented by the Theatre Arts Department in the Caine School of the Arts, plays on campus in the Black Box Theatre in the Chase Fine Arts Center (approximately 1110 E. 600 North, Logan) Oct. 13-18 at 7:30 p.m.

 

Tickets are $13 and available at the Caine School of the Arts Box Office or by calling (435) 797-8022. USU students with valid ID are admitted free.

 

“We are excited to do a mainstage show in the Black Box Theatre,” said Colin Johnson, department head and faculty member in theatre arts. “We offer our students three types of stages: a proscenium stage, a thrust stage and a black box theater. This allows us to give our students direct experience working with all of these spaces.”

 

The play focuses on the misadventures and musings of Rosencrantz (Leslie Aldridge) and Guildenstern (Angie Roundy). As characters in Shakespeare’s Hamlet, they are lost because the only knowledge they have of themselves is what has been written about them. They are forced to exist within the confines of the plot and are simultaneously interacting offstage with the actors performing Hamlet.

 

“I chose to direct Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead because of its wit, word-play and the wonderful opportunity it provides to apply physical theater techniques to the performance process,” said Paula Dawson, director and theatre arts faculty member. “Our process has been about finding freedom within form, allowing the theater to come to us and ultimately sharing in an experience of joyful discovery. I hope the audience will also share, enjoy and perhaps even laugh at the discoveries we make. Freedom, joy, creativity and laughter — isn’t that the point of it all?”

 

The Shakespearean spoof appeals to a broad audience and not just those familiar with Shakespeare and his works, the director said.

 

“Whether you know the background details or not, it will be an enjoyable romp full of laughter, deep philosophical ramblings and nonsensical commentary and observations,” Dawson said. “It will make you ponder, make you laugh and possibly make you reconsider if, indeed, the world is a stage and we are merely players.”

 

 

Contact: Department of Theatre Arts, 435-797-3046
Writer: Sally Okelberry, 435-797-1500; sally.okelberry@usu.edu