In a recent note to students, new Williston Director of the Theater Dr. Jorge Rodríguez shared the names of the two plays the department will stage this year. Rodríguez noted that he grew up in Puerto Rico, and instead of developing an interest in sports, as his father originally encouraged, he fell in love with theater after his parents enrolled him in a theater camp—even though he battled stage fright at first.
“I would’ve never guessed I would one day become a theater professional,” he noted. “And yet, I ended up majoring in theater (and English) at Haverford College, getting a master’s and doctorate in dramaturgy from Yale Drama, and teaching and directing theater in the Pioneer Valley for close to a decade now.”
He encouraged interested students to be in touch with him and come to auditions during September. “I am so excited to meet all of you and stage some plays with you.”
The theater department will present these two productions:
FALL PLAY
Metamorphoses
by Mary Zimmerman
An adaptation of Ovid’s tales, Metamorphoses brings to life onstage a collection of Greek myths. Set in and around a large pool of water onstage, Metamorphoses blends the classical and the modern in an exploration of our human desire for permanence when confronted with inevitable change.
Performances: October 21 -23, 2021
Tickets
WINTER MUSICAL
Mamma Mia!
Music and Lyrics by Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson
Book by Catherine Johnson
From MTI: ABBA’s hits tell the hilarious story of a young woman’s search for her birth father. This sunny and funny tale unfolds on a Greek island paradise. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother’s past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago. The story-telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship, creating an unforgettable show.
Performances: February 17-19, 2022
“I know these two plays will be an incredible showcase of the theatrical talent at Williston and a lot of fun to stage,” Rodríguez wrote. “Ms. Tyler, Mr. Raffetto, Mr. Mann, and I are already collaborating on our approach to these texts and are eager to share our ideas with you.”
Break a leg, everyone!