OCU Stage II is producing a Spanish play, Tried and True, for the first time in English.
Tried and True is a translation of the Spanish play La Firmeza en la Ausencia by Leonor de la Cueva y Silva, which was written in the 1700s.
The play was translated by Sharon D. Voros and then given to Dr. David Pasto, professor of theater, who is directing the production.
Tried and True is a Spanish Golden Age story of two lovers, “Don Juan” and “Armesinda,” who live in Naples. The king of Naples is also in love with Armesinda, and sends Don Juan away to war in an attempt to convince Armesinda to love him.
The story is likely based on the biblical story of David and Bathsheba, Pasto said.
Stage II’s production will be the first performance of the play in English.
Robert Jamerson, acting sophomore, plays Don Juan. He said he looks forward to the challenge of putting on a new show.
“We will be the first people to touch the English version of the show, so we get to put our own spin on it,” Jamerson said.
Pasto has been interested in the Spanish Golden Age for years. He directed five plays from the era and translated one, so when the opportunity came to direct Tried and True, he was ready for the challenge.
Because this is a Stage II production, the performance will feature modern clothes and a minimal set.
“Usually, when I’ve directed plays in the time period, we do them with period costumes,” Pasto said. “This performance puts the focus on the passion.”
Pasto worked with the translator to decipher what the script is saying.
He said when translating from Spanish to English, certain words might not translate correctly, especially when coming from an actor.
The translator, Sharon D. Voros, is coming for the Friday and Saturday performances.
Several Spanish professors from around Oklahoma are coming to see the show.
Tried and True can be seen at 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday in the Black Box Theater in the Wanda L. Bass Music Center.
Tickets are $5 and can be bought at the door.
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