Students Bring Laughter with The Importance of Being Earnest
Published: March 04, 2021 | Author: Ashley H Pollock | Read Time: 3 minutes
SUU’s Department of Theatre, Dance, and Arts Administration is bringing theatre to life with radio-style performances of The Importance of Being Earnest on March 12, 15, 20, 2021 at 7:30 p.m. virtually at go.suu.edu/virtualtheater. Pre-registration is encouraged at least 15 minutes before showtime. It will also air on SUU’s Thunder 91.1 on Saturday, March 20, 2021, at 7:30 p.m.
In the wake of COVID-19, technology has provided a way for SUU Theatre students to work with and learn from Dawn Monique Williams as the director of The Importance of Being Earnest. Williams has worked with Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Shakespeare & Company, California Conservatory Theatre, Hayward Greek Festival, and Folger Theatre. Her study of heightened language plays has helped students find their voice in the language and wit of Oscar Wilde’s play.
Nathan Holley, freshman in the Musical Theater BFA program from Sandy, Utah, shares, “What’s been wonderful about working on this show is the absolute focus on the script. Since there’s no need to block, costume, or light anything, we get to focus solely on the language. In a witty, text-heavy play like Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest, radio-style is the perfect way to perform it. I think the moment people tune in they’ll understand just how fun the play is. Every second is full of humor and wit. It’s a show people will be able to sit back and enjoy as the language pours over them.”
The Importance of Being Earnest is a farce written to poke fun of social propriety. This play is one that will have people laughing through the confusion and misunderstandings that come from double identities.
Holley goes on to say, “I’m so grateful to be part of this show. It has been a blessing to work with such a talented cast in such a demanding role as a freshman. I’ve never seen so much talent in one room. I learn just as much from my fellow cast mates as I do from my professors. They’re a wonderful little family and have made me feel so loved and welcome. I can’t wait for everyone to relish in this fantastic show!”
Laugh along with your friends and family as you enjoy The Importance of Being Earnest on March 12, 15, 20, 2021 at 7:30 p.m. For more information about the Department of Theatre, Dance, and Arts Administration at SUU, please visit www.suu.edu/pva/ta.
About the College of Performing and Visual Arts
The College of Performing and Visual Arts (CPVA) at Southern Utah University comprises 26 academic programs including liberal arts (BA/BS) and professional (BFA, BM, BMEd) degrees in art, design, dance, music, and theatre. It includes graduate programs in the fields of arts administration (MFA, MA), music education (MME), and music technology (MM). More than 60 full-time faculty and staff are engaged in teaching and mentoring nearly 800 majors in the College. CPVA presents over 100 performances, lectures, presentations, and exhibitions each year and is affiliated with the Southern Utah Museum of Art (SUMA), Utah Shakespeare Festival, and the Center for Shakespeare Studies. Southern Utah University is an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Art & Design (NASAD), National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD), and the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). For more information about the College of Performing and Visual Arts, visit www.suu.edu/pva.Tags: Theater College of Performing and Visual Arts