Millikin University's Department of Theatre & Dance will wrap up its 2015-16 production season with a performance of Federico García Lorca's "Blood Wedding," May 4-8 at Albert Taylor Theatre in Shilling Hall.
Directed by Denise Myers, Millikin professor of theatre & dance, "Blood Wedding" tells the story of a love triangle that threatens the union of two barren families. Illustrated by the Moon and tracked by Death, surging passions and rebellion are exposed in this classic Spanish drama.
The cast of Millikin students have seen how the plot of the classic Spanish play is often found in families today. Although the play was written in the 1930s, the battles and effects of death portrayed are still felt. "Mothers these days are dealing with gang wars. They don't want their sons killed," said Denise Myers. "I read these things in the paper every day and I think about their moms."
Millikin University Professors Dr. David Burdick and Manley Mallard will be writing original music for the play. Both will play guitars during the performance in Spanish style incorporating music and dancing.
"Because the subject matter is so heavy and sad, we've been working a lot to find the lighter moments," said Lexis Danca, a senior musical theatre major from Crystal Lake, Ill. "It's challenging, but it's great."
Pipe Dreams Studio Theatre
Millikin's student-run theatre production company Pipe Dreams Studio Theatre will present "What I Didn't Learn in College," April 29-30, May 1, May 6-8 and May 12-14.
Set in 1979 Chicago, a shy guy who has just graduated from a small liberal arts college is filled with theories and judgments about how the world should be. Aware he needs to learn more about life, he decides to move into a group house with a bunch of characters and ends up learning more than he expects.
It will be the first production of the show written by New York playwright Rich Orloff. "The Pipe Dreams artistic team found it and decided it was a show they would love doing," said stage manager, Brittany Schmidt, a junior theatre major from Lake Villa, Ill.
The show fits the niche that Pipe Dreams uses to provide new experiences for the artists to play and experiment. "We get a chance to learn new things that they might not get a chance to do with the Millikin main stage shows," Schmidt said.
The students of Pipe Dreams Studio Theatre decide on the plays. Although they will receive instruction from Millikin faculty and instructors, they create the performance.
Click the following links to read reviews of the Millikin theatre productions from the Herald & Review.
