Release Date: April 14, 2008
Kennesaw State presents original adaptation of “Moby-Dick”
Contact: Cheryl Anderson Brown, Assistant Director of Public Relations, 770-499-3417 or cbrown@kennesaw.edu
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KENNESAW, Ga.—On April 15-20, in the Howard Logan Stillwell Theater at Kennesaw State University, the Department of Theatre and Performance Studies will present the classic, “Moby-Dick,” adapted for the stage by Professor and Chair of the Department of Theatre and Performance Studies John Gentile.
The novel “Moby-Dick” was originally published in 1851 by Herman Melville. The story is about the adventures of Ishmael, a wandering sailor, and his voyage on the whaling ship Pequod, commanded by Captain Ahab. Ishmael finds himself in quite an encounter when he learns that Captain Ahab intends to hunt down and exact revenge on the tremendously massive and ferocious white sperm whale, Moby-Dick. “Moby-Dick” explores themes of knowledge, ignorance, fate and the business of whaling in the 19th century.
Gentile, adaptor and co-director of the production, says “Moby-Dick” is “a story of our time. There is the idea that quite ordinary people can be led by a charismatic leader who is in a frenzy of rage. The power of that individual is such that other people will follow it even if they are also ultimately pulled under.”
Instructor Hylan Scott, co-director of the production, said, “The excitement and challenge of this piece comes from the density of the language and the magnitude of the story we are attempting to present. To translate the epic nature of a whale hunt to the stage is very tricky.”
“Moby-Dick” promises to be a great journey in sweeping imagination and stunning epic discovery. “Even if you have read the novel and think you know what ‘Moby-Dick’ is all about, this event will still blow you away,” said Assistant Professor of Theatre and Performance Studies Jane Barnette, dramaturg for the production. “This adaptation breathes new life into one of the greatest American novels ever written.”
Splendid, majestic and dynamic, “Moby-Dick” will present audiences with the gift of the purest in heart-stopping, toe-tapping, aesthetically compelling theater. “Moby-Dick” will be performed in Stillwell Theater April 15-19 at 8 p.m. and April 20 at 3 p.m. Admission is $15. For more information or to order tickets online, visit www.kennesaw.edu/arts.
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A member of the 35-unit University System of Georgia, Kennesaw State University is a comprehensive, residential institution with a growing student population of more than 20,000 from 132 countries. The third-largest university in Georgia, Kennesaw State offers more than 60 graduate and undergraduate degrees, including new doctorates in education and business.
The KSU College of the Arts is one of only four Georgia institutions to have achieved full national accreditation for all of its arts programs.