CONTACT: Mary Daniel
(KINGSVILLE, MARCH 12, 1996)-- It is said that drama reflects society and mirrors the frustrations and aspirations of a country. In 408 B.C., Euripides wrote the Greek tragedy, "Orestes", which portrays many of the issues which bedevil our globe today.
In a timeless story of revenge by out-of-control young people, the message rings true in today's world: born into the violence of older feuds, youngsters soon learn to become the initiators of it.
"Youth violence is not a NEW problem: it existed in the Greek culture 2,500 years ago" said Dr. Patrick Faherty, tragedy director and instructor of communications and theatre arts at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. "The upcoming presentation of "Orestes" portrays how youths who are caught up in violence around them and eventually come to participate in it. It reminds me of the violence in Belfast, Sarajevo or Tel Aviv."
Ranging from a fire to a snake pit to a militaristic rally, the 90-minute dramatic performance gives student actors the opportunity to sharpen their range of acting skills. The translation by William Arrowsmith of the University of Chicago modernizes the more classical speech patterns, with costuming for the younger characters being new wave or punk, for the middle aged characters being militaristic, and for the older actors, as well as the Greek gods, classical attire. Primary cast members are drama students Daniel Hernandez from Orange Grove as Orestes, Michael Lutz from Kingsville as the god Dionysus, J.V. Salinas from Falfurrias as the Messenger and a chorus member, and Nadia Blanco from Cotulla who portrays Electra.
"Orestes" will be presented in the Little Theatre at Texas A&M University-Kingsville at 8 p.m. Thursday, March 27 through Saturday, March 30, with a final matinee performance at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 31.
Tickets are $3 for students, faculty, senior citizens and military personnel and $5 for general admission. For more information, call (512) 593-3401.