Oedipus The King invades Redbud Theater at Texas Woman’s University

Steven Young, TWU’s new assistant professor of drama, makes his TWU directorial debut.

DENTON — The Texas Woman’s University drama program ends the semester with Sophocles’ Oedipus The King November 19-22.

Performances will be at 4 p.m. Thursday, November 19; at 8 p.m. Friday, November 20; at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday, November 21; and at 2 p.m. Sunday, November 22. All performances will take place in the Redbud Theater Complex, located on the northwest side of historic Hubbard Hall on TWU’s Denton campus. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. To reserve tickets online or for more information, visit www.twu.edu/drama/ or call the TWU box office at 940-898-2020.

Steven Young, TWU’s new assistant professor of drama, will make his TWU directorial debut with the classic Athenian tragedy Oedipus The King by Sophocles. With Paul Roche’s translation, Young hopes to offer up something other than an intellectual analysis of the play and produce a visceral production that will allow the audience to experience the story in a new way.

One of the three Theban plays, Oedipus The King tells the story of the doomed King of Thebes (Dave Trosko of Flower Mound) and his quest to save his plagued city. In order to save his people, Oedipus must bring the murderer of the former King of Thebes to justice. As he begins to unravel the mystery surrounding the killer’s identity, Oedipus is forced to confront the secrets of his own past that will lead to his eventual ruin.

The cast features Jennie Patton of Livonia, Mich., as Jocasta; Gerald Young of Denton as Creon; Erica Cole of Denton as Tieresias; Elizabeth Lambert of Trenton as the Priest; Taylor Reed of Seattle, Wash., as the Messenger; Zane Harris of Denton as the Shepherd; and Becki McDonald of Plano as the Chorus Leader. The chorus includes Brittany Fowler of Decatur; Joanna Wesson of Rowlett; and Candace Moon, Kristin Brasher and Alex Rodriguez, all of Denton. Katelyn Stone and Aiden Gawne will also be featured as Oedipus’ children.

Melissa Watt choreographs the production. Mallory Bryant-Gawne of Denton is the set designer. Rhonda Gorman, TWU assistant professor of drama, designed costumes and Rene Sarradett of Fort Worth designed the makeup. Nick Clowers of Lake Dallas and James Gregory design sound and lights, respectively. Libby Carswell of Farmers Branch will serve as stage manager, assisted by Kayla Moore and Katrina Sam, both of Denton.

Source: Texas Woman's University