Photo Courtesy: Claire Fisher, The BonaVenture
By: Claire Fisher, Features Assignment Editor
For the first time in seven years, St. Bonaventure University Theatre debuts a Shakespere production in the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts. This year, SBU Theatre is producing its gender-neutral showing of The Tempest.
This interpretation of The Tempest follows war refugees wanting to pass the time by re-enacting a story they all know. It follows a variety of characters with magical powers as they learn about the human condition on the location of a remote island
“This show has something for everyone,” Bianca Billoni, senior member of SBU Theatre, said. “There’s love, loss, betrayal, magic, drinking, music and more.”
It has been a long time since the group has done a Shakespearean show, a notable change from its previous productions.
“Working with Shakespeare is a gift for actors, designers and technicians because his plays are so open to new interpretation,” Ed Simone, director of The Tempest, said.
While the playwright of the production is somewhat new, the rehearsal process and style are not. For years, SBU Theatre has been committed to cast and crew comradery during its show development
“Getting along allows us to try new things on stage,” Billoni said. “We can trust one another to try something silly or serious, and if it works, great, and if not, we can try something else.”
Billoni added that she feels lucky to be involved in a theater department that is so welcoming and friendly.
“In SBU Theatre there are no stars,” Simone said. “No one is more important than anyone else.”
This environment is not limited to only cast members.
“Everyone in the cast and crew has the opportunity to become very close through this process, especially on “work-call” days,” Billoni said. “We have a wonderful and dedicated few members to our crew; the work on the show is largely a team effort.”
After over two months of bonding, Shakespearean analysis and show development, the members of the production team says they are incredibly excited to present their show to the community
“The company really gets a workout doing it, and the audience is given what I believe is a memorable experience,” Simone said. “We do our productions first for the audience, next for the art form and lastly for ourselves.”
The show will run March 29 through April 1, all starting at 7:30 p.m. in the Quick. Tickets are $8 for the public and $6 for the Bonaventure community with free rush seating starting at 6:30 p.m. each night.
