To end the OCU School of Theatre’s fall season, Paradise by Kae Tempest took the stage on December 7-10.
Paradise is a new take on the Greek legend of Philoctetes, a celebrated wartime hero turned into an outcast.
After being stranded on a desolate island for ten years, his plans to escape are turned into plans for revenge.
The show took place in the Burg Theatre and captivated audiences with the unique and beautiful set and lighting design.
Paradise was directed by OCU guest artist Leslie Swackhamer.
In the show program director’s note, Swackhamer said “Our cast and designers immediately connected with the now of this story. Every day they entered rehearsal as if they themselves were Greek heroes.”
The production team included stage manager Hal Benson, assistant stage managers Kelsi Seiter and Sara Ramirez Correal, as well as student designers Lauren McPherson, Dexter Mosburg, and Ivy Walker, with assistants Tess Rosen, Ella Figiera, and Jake Johnson.
The set was made to feel like an island complete with sand on stage and a moat filled with recycling materials.
Paired with the lighting and costumes, the world of the play was quite immersive.
An all-female presenting cast created an entertaining dynamic for this new story.
The School of Theatre will kick off the 2024 year with Puffs: or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic in February.
Leave a Reply