The Roman writer Horace believed the function of theatre was to teach as well as please. However, one of the most challenging aspects of directing is choosing a season that will fulfill both purposes. How do we challenge our cast, crew, and audience … and entertain them at the same time? The 2007-2008 SSCC Theatre season was selected to satisfy both intentions: Bloody Poetry, The Curious Savage, and Assassins.

At first glance all the production titles seem to reflect dark, brooding, contemplative subject matter. And some of the content you will see tonight does fit that description. Bloody Poetry was chosen for many different reasons. First, the play is based on the meeting of two radical Romantic poets (Percy Bysshe Shelley and Lord Byron) who left a legacy of beautiful words, some of which reflected thoughts, beliefs, and dreams considered to be unorthodox or deviant to society. There are many lessons to be learned from this slice of life: history, literature … tolerance. Second, the characters in the play are roughly thesame age as the traditional college student. Third, the language and unique staging is an opportunity for our actors and designers to expand skills and craft.

The Curious Savage was chosen to balance the season … to entertain. This family-friendly comedy of the 1950’s also features a character who is outcast from society due to her radical beliefs and actions, but Mrs. Savage will leave the audience with an affection for those eccentricities that others do exhibit from time to time. And of course since Dr. Emmett of The Curious Savage quotes Lord Byron in the play, it seemed fated that I produce Bloody Poetry and this lovable comedy in one season: “And if I laugh at any mortal thing – ‘Tis that I may not weep.” Laughter … good therapy.

Assassins, which will be student-directed by Mr. Benjamin Gullett, is another history lesson in the consequences of radical behavior. This musical features the infamous people who ever attempted or succeeded in the assassination of a United States president. Through the assassins’ words, the audience experiences first-hand just how far and twisted the American Dream can become when manifested in the mind of a killer. Another challenge for us … another challenge for you.

So … will we teach? Will we please? Would Horace approve? It is my belief that these three main stage productions will give everyone – cast, crew, and patrons –something to think about … or laugh about later. The production process is always an education for me; and I do enjoy it along the way. I wish the same for you… tonight and every night you sit down to live theatre. Curtain up!

– Rainee Angles

Director’s Note
Cast & Crew
Production Photos
Special Thanks