Life is a Dream to begin 2008-2009 Season Spanish Golden Age Drama to open October 17

Life is a Dream is the story of Segismundo, imprisoned by his father, King Basilio, upon his birth because the stars foretold his evil reign. His existence is known only to his father and a trusted teacher, Clotaldo.  Upon his coming of age, King Basilio conducts an experiment; he brings Segismundo to court as the new prince to see if he can act with dignity and wisdom.  When the experiment fails, Segismundo is returned to his jail, and is told that he is only dreaming.  Throw in a peasant uprising; two spoiled cousins each vying for the throne; and a young woman who is disguised as a man to avenge her honor, and you have a story that can only be told against the backdrop of the European Renaissance.  This is the time of great social, scientific and political discoveries, inspiring epic battles of spirit and intellect.

“I have wanted to direct Life is a Dream for a while,” says Director of Theatre Deborah Martin.  “Our students read aloud an older translation several years ago, and when I found out that Nilo Cruz had translated and adapted the play recently, I knew the time was right.”  Cuban-American playwright Nilo Cruz won the Pulitzer Prize for his play Anna and the Tropics, which tells the story of a family of cigar makers at the dawn of the Great Depression.  The unpublished manuscript by Cruz was made available to Berea College by his agent.  “The language is contemporary, but still retains the poetry and rhythm of the original.  It’s a wonderful actor’s script,” says Christian Honce, junior theatre major who plays the role of Segismundo.

Because of the peasant uprising, the production gives ample opportunities for stage combat.  Returning to Berea College is Robert Radkoff Ek, whose fight choreography was featured in both Richard III (2003) and Julius Caesar last season.  “The students love it when Rob comes to visit.  We get to have fun with our arsenal, and they get some very keen marketable skills in both armed and unarmed stage combat,” says Martin.  “It’s a relationship we have fostered through the years and one we hope will continue. Rob has a wonderful rapport with our students.”  Ek is an assistant professor of performance and movement at Florida State University.

Performances of Life is a Dream are October 17, 18, and 22-25 at 8pm in the McGaw Theatre, Jelkyl Drama Center.  Tickets range in price from $5 to $10 and can be reserved by calling the Box Office at (859) 985-3300 Monday through Friday from 1-5pm and one hour prior to curtain.  Admission for Berea College students is pre-paid as part of their student activities fee, but reservations are highly suggested. Convocation performances are October 22 and 24.  While there is no “adult language” in the production, the subject matter may not be appropriate to very young children.