The production will take to the James R. Hartman Theatre stage Nov. 7 and 8 in Schoolcraft College’s Liberal Arts Building.
Directing one of the most legendary Greek tragedies of all time has been on Paul Beer’s bucket list since his time in graduate school.
After tinkering with some ideas, Beer, a theatre instructor at Schoolcraft College, believes he’s found a modern take on a pair of classic theatrical performances and will direct them this fall.
“A Pair of Kings” consists of one-act versions of Oedipus Rex by Sophocles and Ubu Roi by Alfred Jarry. The production will take to the James R. Hartman Theatre stage Nov. 7 and 8 in Schoolcraft College’s Liberal Arts Building.
Beer said he took the perceptions of the modern-day experience and saw the perfect fit to adapt these two performances into something modern audiences could relate to.
“As we see what many characterize as the rise of authoritarianism, it is a chance to see the danger of one person’s vision taking control. And even if we didn’t equate it to this time, there are certainly other periods which have seen the same thing,” Beer said. “Similarly, Ubu Roi is about madness, about decisions that have no rational basis, and their appalling consequences. For many, the present circumstances feel like ‘Ubu madness.’”
“Oedipus Rex” follows the story of King Oedipus, who seeks to rid Thebes of a deadly plague, only to discover that he has unknowingly fulfilled a prophecy by killing his father and marrying his mother. “Ubu Roi” is a darkly satirical play that premiered in 1896. The story follows the greedy and cowardly Père Ubu, whose violent rise to power and ridiculous reign lampoon corruption, tyranny and the chaos of human ambition.
The performance will feature a cast and crew featuring Schoolcraft College students, alumni and community members.
Despite the source material being older, Beer said the performances are done in modern language, complete with music and humor.
“Not only are classical and current issues at the forefront, but we are blending a number of historical styles into our eclectic performance: there will be elements of Greek tragedy and absurd theatre, of course, but also Commedia dell’Arte, and even Brecht’s theatre of alienation,” Beer said. “Every modern performance draws on many sources, but ours does, too. Finally, like good Greek tragedy, it might spark some catharsis for audience members, as they confront the intersection of these old tales with our modern world.”
“A Pair of Kings” will take the stage 7:30 p.m. Nov. 7 and 8, as well as at 2:30 p.m. Nov. 8 in the James R. Hartman Theatre inside the Liberal Arts building at Schoolcraft College. Admission is $15 and students are $10. Tickets may be purchased at schoolcraft.edu/theatre, by phone at 734-462-4596 or at the door.