The Catawba College Theatre Arts Department’s production of “Bastards and Fools,” written by former Catawba College student Liam Macik, will run October 25-29 at 7:30 p.m. in Hedrick Theatre on campus.

One of two winners of the Peterson Playwrighting Competition for 2005, “Bastards and Fools” examines the ancient issue of the use and abuse of power and the complicity of the oppressed in their own oppression.   Stylistically reminiscent of a Western parable or an Eastern koan or “enlightening riddle,” the play asks both its characters and its audience to consider what makes power powerful.   Allegorically drawn characters combine with a distant but familiar setting and some surprising stylistic elements to create both a visually and intellectually provocative piece of theatre.

Professor Beth Homan directs the production and is assisted by junior Michael Strickland of Austin, Texas.   Freshman Diana Haglar of Charlotte serves as stage manager, with sophomore Chris Young of Baltimore, Md., as assistant stage manager.   The production crew includes: Andy Maben, a senior from Milwaukee, Wis./Morganton, as scene designer; Professor Eric Abbott as costume designer; Professor Christopher Zink as lighting designer; McKenna Dabbs, a junior from Nashville, Tenn., as makeup designer; and Lisa Ponce, a junior from Tolland, Conn., as fight captain.

Cast members include senior David Loehr of Charlotte as the King; senior Bree Raymond of Spring Hill, Fla., as the Jester; freshman Justin Lewis of Knoxville, Tenn., as the Captain; junior Nik Kear of Gatlinburg, Tenn., as Lord Brother; freshman Katherine Goforth of Charlotte as Lord’s Lady; freshman Jen Short of Jersey City, N.J., as the Young Queen; and sophomore Guerin Piercy of Asheville, as the Crone. The Lords of the play include sophomore Nick Luisi of Pittsgrove, N.J.; freshman Joe Castillo of London, England (also playing a Soldier); freshman Justin Duncan of Fayetteville; junior Jake Krickan of Hendersonville; and freshman Rob Jenkins of Kill Devil Hills.   The Ladies of the play include freshman Sara Johnson of Charlotte; freshman Devon Currie of Greensboro; sophomore Ashleigh Herndon of Conway, S.C.; freshman Holly Porcase of Jacksonville, Fla.; and freshman Cecelia Runge of Milford, N.J.   Junior Justin Dionne of Salisbury and junior Michael Strickland of Austin, Texas, play the two Guards in the play.

Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for students and senior citizens.   For more information, call the Catawba College Box Office at 704-637-4481.   Group rates are available.   Theatregoers should be advised of  some offensive language  and intellectually challenging situations.

The Catawba College Theatre Arts Department’s production of “Bastards and Fools,” written by former Catawba College student Liam Macik, will run October 25-29 at 7:30 p.m. in Hedrick Theatre on campus.

One of two winners of the Peterson Playwrighting Competition for 2005, “Bastards and Fools” examines the ancient issue of the use and abuse of power and the complicity of the oppressed in their own oppression.   Stylistically reminiscent of a Western parable or an Eastern koan or “enlightening riddle,” the play asks both its characters and its audience to consider what makes power powerful.   Allegorically drawn characters combine with a distant but familiar setting and some surprising stylistic elements to create both a visually and intellectually provocative piece of theatre.

Professor Beth Homan directs the production and is assisted by junior Michael Strickland of Austin, Texas.   Freshman Diana Haglar of Charlotte serves as stage manager, with sophomore Chris Young of Baltimore, Md., as assistant stage manager.   The production crew includes: Andy Maben, a senior from Milwaukee, Wis./Morganton, as scene designer; Professor Eric Abbott as costume designer; Professor Christopher Zink as lighting designer; McKenna Dabbs, a junior from Nashville, Tenn., as makeup designer; and Lisa Ponce, a junior from Tolland, Conn., as fight captain.

Cast members include senior David Loehr of Charlotte as the King; senior Bree Raymond of Spring Hill, Fla., as the Jester; freshman Justin Lewis of Knoxville, Tenn., as the Captain; junior Nik Kear of Gatlinburg, Tenn., as Lord Brother; freshman Katherine Goforth of Charlotte as Lord’s Lady; freshman Jen Short of Jersey City, N.J., as the Young Queen; and sophomore Guerin Piercy of Asheville, as the Crone. The Lords of the play include sophomore Nick Luisi of Pittsgrove, N.J.; freshman Joe Castillo of London, England (also playing a Soldier); freshman Justin Duncan of Fayetteville; junior Jake Krickan of Hendersonville; and freshman Rob Jenkins of Kill Devil Hills.   The Ladies of the play include freshman Sara Johnson of Charlotte; freshman Devon Currie of Greensboro; sophomore Ashleigh Herndon of Conway, S.C.; freshman Holly Porcase of Jacksonville, Fla.; and freshman Cecelia Runge of Milford, N.J.   Junior Justin Dionne of Salisbury and junior Michael Strickland of Austin, Texas, play the two Guards in the play.

Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for students and senior citizens.   For more information, call the Catawba College Box Office at 704-637-4481.   Group rates are available.   Theatregoers should be advised of  some offensive language  and intellectually challenging situations.