LLCC Theatre presents “Waiting for Godot” at New Salem April 13, 14, 15, 20 and 21
Great Ideas Forum to precede April 14 performance.
Lincoln Land Community College Theatre presents Samuel Beckett’s existential masterpiece “Waiting for Godot” April 13, 14, 20 and 21 at 8 p.m. and April 15 at 3 p.m. at Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site Visitor's Center. Tickets, at $13 for adults, $11 for students and seniors, are available by calling 217.632.5440 (800.710.9290).
“This piece of theatre has intrigued and perplexed audiences for decades,” says director Mark Hardiman, LLCC assistant professor of theatre. “While existentialism is a complex concept, the brilliance of this play’s writing makes the audience feel the joys, sorrows and confusion that characters in the play are experiencing.” Swirling in a changing and uncertain land, this production will emphasize the bond of loyalty shared by its endearing tramps, Didi and Gogo, as they strive to find meaning, stumble upon humor and their own humanity in their senseless world. Creatively, the cornerstone of this interpretation is the lighting design, which will envelop audience members in the same metaphoric dreamscape as its off-beat characters. “Surrounding the audience in an evocative evening sky scape, we will create the entire set design with light,” says Grace Maberg, MFA lighting design candidate from Illinois State University. “At the end of the play the atmosphere we have created will instantly evaporate.” She and Hardiman coined the term “photonic set design” to describe the approach.
The play is produced in association with Theatre in the Park and the New Salem Lincoln League.
The public is also invited to the inaugural Great Ideas Forum entitled “Is There God in Godot? (Searching for Meaning in Beckett’s Metaphorical Landscape)” at 6:30p.m. Saturday, April 14 prior to the performance at Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site Visitor's Center. The free forum features panelists from the academic fields of religion, philosophy and theatre.
In keeping with the artistic mission of LLCC Theatre, “To explore the work of those who have charted new intellectual territory,” this forum will provide provocative and accessible debate to the central issues that spring from the production. A panel of four experts in literature, theatre, religion and philosophy will illuminate the complex and always contemporary questions that “Waiting for Godot” raises. “This promises to be an engaging and exciting discussion/debate,” said Mark Hardiman, assistant professor of theatre and director of the play. “’Godot’ cuts into many of the core ideas of our time, as we seem to be constantly engaged in the idea of where religion fits into our lives.”
The panel will be moderated by James Seay, who serves as the dramaturg for the production and has done extensive research on the subject. With an educational background in theatre, he also studied in Dublin, Ireland with Alan Simpson, close friend of Samuel Beckett and director/producer of the play in Ireland.
The panelists include:
Tom Mitchell is interim director of the Department of Theatre at the University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) where he teaches acting and directing. C. G. Estabrook, Ph.D. recently retired as a visiting professor (history, religion, sociology) at UIUC and formerly taught at Harvard, Notre Dame, Brown and Rochester Universities. Isaac "Marty" Morris has been an adjunct instructor of philosophy and humanities at LLCC for 30 years. Mark Hardiman teaches acting, directing, theatre appreciation, improvisation, theatre history, movement and voice, and stage combat and is a former professional actor, director and fight choreographer.
A short talk-back featuring the panelists will follow the April 14 performance.
Phil 315 Extra Credit
Write a 500 word review of the play. Make the focus of your review the exploration of the philosophical and religious issues raised in the play. Attach a bulletin from the play to your hard copy of your review.
Due the last day of class
You need not attend the panel discussion, just the play.
20 points.
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