by Leanna Hicks '16 of Richmond, Va.
The Catawba College Theatre Department's first show of the 2013-2014 season is Sam Shepard's "True West," playing in the Florence Busby Corriher Theatre on campus at 6:55 p.m. September 24 and 25 and at 7:30 p.m. September 26 through 28. Shepard's brilliant writing makes this play one of the most realistic and chilling pieces of literature and it all takes place in the confines of one space in a house.
The play focuses on two brothers, Austin who is a successful screenwriter and Lee who can't seem to find his place in the world and who just drifts from place to place. When Austin comes to house-sit for his mother who is vacationing in Alaska, Lee pays an unexpected visit, making the air a little tense in the house. The brothers, who have many differences, end up finding that each one has secretly wished to be in the other's shoes. Combine the intensity of Shepard's writing with an intimate theater space like Florence Busby Corriher Theater and audience members will be treated to an incredible night of amazing theatre.
While fans of Sam Shepard's writing, like this show's director, Catawba Theatre Arts Professor Dayna Anderson, love this play, most people are not as familiar with this specific work. When asked about why she chose this play to start off Catawba's theatre season, Anderson said, "Sam Shepard has always been a passion of mine….he's got a Western way of looking at the world. I'm surprised by his work every time I turn around. I was the lucky one. Short answer, the fates aligned and I'm just going along with the ride."
Cast members include Greg Stoughton of Niceville, Fla., as Lee; Zack Tellier of Concord as Austin; Brandon Engelskirchen of Jefferson, Ga., as Saul Kimmer; and Maddy Auchter of Houston, Texas, as Mom.
TicketsCrew members in addition to the aforementioned director include Maggie Saunders of Huntington, W.Va., stage manager; Leanna Hicks of Richmond, Va., assistant stage manager; Jacquelyn Loy of Burlington, costume designer; Professor Christopher Zink, lighting design; and Professor David Pulliam, set design.
Come out and see Sam Shepard's "True West" play in the Florence Busby Corriher Theatre on campus at 6:55 p.m. September 24 and 25 and at 7:30 p.m. September 26 through 28. Tickets are $10 general admission and $8 for non-Catawba students and senior citizens. Tickets can be purchased online at www.catawba.edu/theatretix or at the box office the nights of the shows. For more details, call the box office at (704) 637-4481.
RELATED CONTENT:
PHOTOS: "True West" Theatre Production
Upcoming Productions
Theatre Arts
Campus Maps and Directions
