Gordon in the News: last updated 10/20/2006
MEDIA CONTACT: Cyndi McMahon
Office of College Communications
978.867.4236
WENHAM, MA - Sueño, a 17th-century allegory considered one of the outstanding Spanish dramas of all times, will be performed by the Gordon College Theatre Department in the Barrington Center for the Arts at Gordon College, 255 Grapevine Rd. Showings are March 24, 31 at 8 p.m.; March 25 and April 1 at 4:30 and 8 p.m.; March 28 through 30 at 7:30 p.m.
Sueño explores the mysteries of human destiny, the illusory nature of existence, and the struggle between predestination and free will.
Sueño is Obie award-winning playwright Jose Rivera's translation and adaptation of Calderon de la Barca's classic Life Is a Dream. One of the jewels of the Spanish Golden Age, Sueño follows the life of Segismundo, heir to the Spanish throne, who was imprisoned at birth when astrologers predicted his reign as king would result in the country's ruin. Brilliant and passionate, he is raised in isolation; his only companion is the nobleman Clotaldo. When King Basilio finds his own life ending without a legitimate heir, he releases Segismundo and places him on the throne. If the young man is gentle and civilized, Basilio reasons, he will be allowed to reign. If he is as wild and barbaric as the stars predicted, he'll be sent back to his imprisonment and told that his brief moment of freedom and power is only a dream. Written in sharp contemporary language, Sueño seeks to ask the eternal question posed by Calderon-what is man; an animal or angel? What is honor? What is freedom?
The play is directed by Gordon theatre faculty member and Hamilton resident Jeff Miller. "In addition to the big questions the play raises about reality and illusion, Sueño unabashedly embraces two vital ideas-the absolute need for grace to break the cycle of violence in our world and the call for individual responsibility in a time when nature and nurture are quick, easy defense for any and all manner of evil behavior" states Miller. "Our culture is infected with the idea that life is temporary so live it to the fullest; it is rare to hear a voice advocate that in the zestful pursuit of life, we must still do what's right and honorable."
General admission is $13 for adults and $10 for students and seniors for Friday and Saturday evening performances; $11 for adults and $8 for students and seniors for Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday evening performances and Saturday matinees. Tickets can be purchased on-line by visiting the Gordon College web site at www.gordon.edu or by calling the Gordon College ticket line at 978.867.3400. Tickets will also be available at the door before each performance.
All photos courtesy of Dan Nystedt
# # #
Gordon College is a Christian college of the liberal arts and sciences on Boston's North Shore. The college offers majors in 36 fields and has graduate programs in education and music education. Leading the way in Christian college merit, Gordon is nationally ranked for its excellence in academics and its role in character building. These achievements recognize Gordon as one of the nation's top Christian colleges.