Alexandra Lontoc
@Alexxllontoc
Imagine inventing a breakthrough in technology, only to hide it from the public and avoid risking your life.
Starting Friday, Oct. 20 through Sunday, Oct. 29, theater arts students will be performing the social drama “The Water Engine” at the Black Box Theater. Written by David Mamet, it is a play within a play. “Audience would sit in the theater and feel as if they are watching a radio play being recorded,” said Titian Lish, Theater and Performing Arts Department Coordinator.
Back-to-back auditions were held on Monday, Aug. 28 and on Tuesday, Aug. 29 for both “The Water Engine” and “Dancing at Lughnasa”. The latter, written by Brian Friel, will be performed in December.
Directed by Wendy Wisely, “The Water Engine” is set in Chicago during the World’s Fair in 1934. The main character, Charles Lang, invented an engine that could run on distilled water. The audience will follow his story as he tries to patent his invention while tackling greedy corporate lawyers after his engine, according to Lish.
This will be Wisely’s first radio-style performance. She said the challenge of a radio play is the idea to be able to focus on “bringing the words to life, creating a theatre of the mind,” and a good experience for students interested in voice over works.
Lish describes the play as a “unique challenge” for students as they focus their abilities in delivering vocal work as if it’s a voiceover while performing in front of an audience. “We wanted something that have limited visual (and) technical requirements, so we could really hone in actors’ skill set,” Lish said.
Tickets are sold at the door, but seats are limited. General admission is $15 and $10 for students, staff and seniors. To purchase tickets in advance and for more information on the play, visit the school’s website.
