Viking_Yearbook_93

The season opener, Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare ran the weeks of November 4th through the 14th. Director Joyce Harris opened more than the season by ignoring the tra­ ditional gender and cultural roles associated with Shakespeare. While not a new technique for presenting Shakespeare, the style continues to provoke heightened awareness for timeless social issues. Changing to a contemporary setting and modern characters awakens renewed understanding and interest in Shakespearean themes. A one act; On Tidy Endings was the second presenta- tion.This poignant drama, by Harvey Fierstein was performed in the Studio Theater and ran through December 6. Coinciding with AIDS Awareness Week, the production of On Tidy Endings brought a direct focus to World AIDS Day with a spe­ cial noon time performance. Players and audience alike found the intimate environment of the studio theater a preferred setting for this emotional drama. Victoria Parker and Jim Caputo, under the direction of Jack Featheringill, presented the compelling events of life, dealing with the loss a loved one to AIDS. February 10 through 20, saw Lower Depths, by Maxim Gorky, directed by Richard Wattenberg. A rarely performed ut thoroughly studied piece. Lower Depths examines the face of homelessness and hopelessness through the feelings of those trapped at the bottom of society. The theater season closed May 8th with Masterpieces, by Sarah Daniels. William Tate directed the fast paced sequence of flash-backs and recollections pro­ pelling viewers on a psychological journey. The powerful scenes create a strong indictment of pornogra­ phy and sexual exploitation. Audiences came face to face with questions o f rea lity , pe rcep tion and m an ipu la tion . Rowena, tormented by the demons of past sexual transg ressions, was portrayed by Valerie Stevens. i sto ry f c » y R i c h a r d K u on sti n s