North Central News
North Central College stages Greek classic “Iphigenia Among the Taurians” Feb. 1-4
Jan 30, 2018
North Central College presents “Iphigenia Among the Taurians,” a Greek drama directed by Laura Lodewyck, assistant professor of theatre at North Central College.
Written by Euripides more than 2,000 years ago, “Iphigenia Among the Taurians” is set in ancient Greece, where the gods and goddesses ruled over the lives of mortals. Iphigenia, daughter of King Agamemnon, is one such mortal who at first appears to be at the mercy of the gods.
“The idea of Ancient Greek tragedy can bring thoughts of dismal endings or characters thoroughly disconnected from our experiences,” said Lodewyck. “The story of Iphigenia is neither. More in the vein of romantic drama, it’s a story of discovery, cunning deception and new adventures.”
Saved by the goddess Artemis from Iphigenia’s father, who was prepared to sacrifice her, Iphigenia was made a priestess at a temple where she was required in turn to sacrifice foreigners who landed on shore. However, when two strangers with an unbelievable tale appear before her, Iphigenia takes her fate into her own hands.
Despite the story’s age, the cast hopes to bring a modern understanding to this greek myth, taken from classical studies literature.
“The actors all brought wonderful ideas to this unfamiliar script,” said Lodewyck. “Poet and classicist Anne Carson provides an accessible, emotional and sharply gender conscious translation. At its heart, Iphigenia is a simple tale—a young woman once a victim is now the heroine of her own story.”
Five performances will be staged at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 1-3 and at 2 p.m. Feb. 3-4 in North Central’s Madden Theatre at the Fine Arts Center, 171 E. Chicago Ave. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors. Call 630-637-SHOW (7469) or visit northcentralcollege.edu/performance.
Cast (role, name, town, year, major):
Iphigenia: Carter Rose Sherman, Kansas City, Mo., a junior majoring in musical theatre
Orestes: Dylan Obrochta, Morris, Ill., a freshman majoring in musical theatre and theatre
Pylades: Tyler Meyers, Elmwood, Ill., a junior majoring in theatre and organizational communication
Thoas: Curtis Jewell, Monroe, Mich., a freshman majoring in musical theatre and history
Athena: Maria Clara Ospina, Medellin, Colombia, a freshman majoring in musical theatre and global studies
Messenger: Jack Hayward, Plainfield, Ill., a sophomore majoring in Interactive Media Studies
Taurian Herdsman: Norah Flaherty, Oswego, Ill., a junior majoring in theatre and organizational communication
Chorus: Katie Rose Ford, Bolingbrook, Ill., a freshman majoring in musical theatre
Chorus: Miranda Keating, Sun Prairie, Wis., a sophomore majoring in musical theatre
Chorus: Michaela Foulkrod, Monroe, Mich., a sophomore majoring in musical theatre
Chorus: Marissa Olavarria, Chicago, a sophomore majoring in musical theatre
Chorus: Samantha Lambert, Plainfield, Ill., a freshman majoring in musical theatre
Chorus: Mikayla Detwiler, Warrenville, Ill., a freshman majoring in Spanish and education
Production team:
Director: Laura Lodewyck, assistant professor of theatre at North Central College
Assistant director: Reagan Quynn, a senior majoring in political science, theatrical design, and psychology
Stage manager: Elizabeth Joy Miller, Godfrey, Ill., a junior majoring in theatre and theatrical design & technology
Assistant stage manager: Nick Horky, Sun Prairie, Wis., a freshman majoring in broadcast communications and theatrical design & technology
Dramaturg: John Warrick, associate professor of theatre; chairperson, department of theatre
Scenic designer: Sully Ratke, stage designer based in Chicago
Assistant scenic designer: Tommy Varela of Ketchikan, Alaska, a junior majoring in theatrical design & technology
Lighting designer: Will Coeur, assistant professor of theatre at North Central College
Assistant lighting designer: Katie Tumavich, Glen Ellyn, Ill., a junior majoring in theatrical design and technology
Sound designer: Ricardo Castro, Round Lake Beach, Ill., a senior majoring in theatre.
Costume designer: David Cordero, artist, designer and educator based in Chicago
Assistant costume designer: Erin Huggins, Aurora, Ill., a junior majoring in theatre and organizational communication
Props master: Christian Orsos, Lima, Peru, a sophomore majoring in finance
Assistant props master: Rachel Oriatti, Downers Grove, Ill., a senior majoring in psychology
Movement/Choreography: Reagan Ilayna
Movement/Choreography: Marissa Olavarria
Movement/Choreography: Miranda Keating
Movement/Choreography: Samantha Lambert
Movement/Choreography: Michaela Foulkrod
Movement/Choreography: Katie Rose Ford
Movement/Choreography: Mikayla Detwiler
Production photographs: McLean Holmes, Shorewood, Ill., a senior majoring in computer science
North Central College offers majors in theatre, musical theatre, theatrical design and technology, and a minor in dance. Students of all majors can participate in musical and nonmusical performances, actor showcases and one-act plays and performances in the College’s four theatre venues. Full-time professors and active professionals who are artist-teachers serve as faculty.
This event is among many ongoing programs at North Central College to enrich and broaden the cultural and academic outlook for the College and community. North Central offers a variety of venues accommodating a rich range of local and world-class events, performances and space needs for the public. For a comprehensive schedule of musical performances, theatrical and dance productions, art exhibits and lectures, visit northcentralcollege.edu/performance or call the box office at 630-637-SHOW (7469).
