ATHENS, W.Va. – Join Shakespeare’s tragic characters as they confront their fears…during the pandemic. This month, Concord University Theatre will be present a comic play on Zoom, Tragedians Anonymous. The play will be presented on Oct. 9th and 10th at 7 p.m. each night. The meeting ID is 923 2392 2540. Admission is free and no registration is required. The performance will also be simultaneously streamed on the Concord University Theatre Department Facebook page.
Tragedians Anonymous, written by Rebecca Salomonsson, follows Shakespeare’s tragic characters as they are quarantined due to COVID-19. Because of the unprecedented times, they are attending online therapy sessions lead by the magical Prospero, who encourages them to confront their fellow characters that have wronged them and to come to terms with their tragic flaws. Romeo and Juliet, Ophelia and King Richard’s wife, Lady Anne, are all dealing with the tragedies encountered in their respective plays.
Tragedians Anonymous is directed by Concord University’s Theatre Instructor, Karen Vuranch. Therapist Prospero will be played by Dr. Gabriel Rieger, a Shakespeare scholar who currently serves as professor of Medieval and Renaissance literature at Concord University. Tragedians include Lady Anne, played by Karissa Bowden, Romeo, played by Trevor Darago, Juliet, played by Skyler McAllister, and Ophelia, played by Heidi Wiant.
“Zoom performances have really changed how we are able to present theatre. Since the pandemic limits audience size and it not possible to social distance with actors on stage, we are delighted that good scripts are being written for the Zoom platform.”
Karen Vuranch
Vuranch went on to say that this particular script appealed to her because of the comic approach to Shakespeare. Tragedians Anonymous is being presented in memory of Alice Todaro and is produced in cooperation with Pioneer Drama Service.
The Zoom software is free and simple to download. Just go to zoom.us and enter the meeting ID, 923 2392 2540. If you have not already downloaded Zoom, your computer will do that automatically. However, if you are more comfortable just clicking on a link instead of putting in the number, you are welcome to email Karen Vuranch at kvuranch@concord.edu and you will be sent you a link.
If you do not want to install Zoom, you can also see the performance live on Facebook. Vuranch explained that the Zoom Webinar platform has a limit of 100 participants, including the actors. “There are 19 in the cast and crew,” she said. “So, we added the option of streaming live on Facebook just in case people found that easier and to accommodate more people.”
For more information, call 304-384-5259 or email Karen Vuranch at kvuranch@concord.edu.
Persons with disabilities should contact Nancy Ellison, 1-304-384-6086 or 1-800-344-6679 extension 6086, if special assistance is required for access to an event scheduled by the University on campus.
This press release was written by Concord University student, Trevor Darago.
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CONTACT:
Sarah M. Pritchett
Concord University
Office of Advancement
PO Box 1000, Athens, WV 24712
(304) 384-6312, news@concord.edu
http://www.concord.edu
After 4 p.m.
pitzer@concord.edu
Office: 304-384-5211
Cell: 304-320-6405