BY ROD JONES
OCU COMMUNICATIONS
A staging of the American classic play 鈥淥ur Town鈥� will take a diversified approach in 野狼社区 University鈥檚 production April 9-12.
The OCU School of Theatre will stage Thornton Wilder鈥檚 Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece in the Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center at 2501 N. Blackwelder. The production will breathe new life into the 1938 archetype, reimagining the fictional Grover鈥檚 Corners through the diverse lens of 21st-century Oklahoma.
While the play famously explores the universal 鈥渟lice of life鈥� in a small New England town, Director Kris Kuss and the OCU creative team are grounding this revival in the lived experiences of today鈥檚 populace.
鈥淲e are asking the question: why this old play, and why tell this story now?鈥� Kuss said. 鈥淭he heart of the story鈥攃ommunity, love and the sacredness of daily life鈥攊sn't exclusive to one time or place. What makes this our story is the people telling it.鈥�
OCU鈥檚 production features a cast reflecting the school鈥檚 diverse student body and the broader American landscape. By casting families of various heritages, the production emphasizes that the themes of 鈥淥ur Town鈥� belong to everyone.
鈥淭raditionally, this play is visualized as a story about white people,鈥� Kuss noted. 鈥淏y intentionally depicting these families as multi-ethnic, we show that these universal human experiences of grief, joy and connection apply regardless of background.鈥�
In keeping with Thornton Wilder鈥檚 original intent, the production features a minimalist set using mime in place of props and Foley sound design with live sound effects. From the sizzle of a breakfast fire to the rhythmic whir of a rotary lawnmower, audiences will hear the world of the play constructed in real-time.
Renowned local actor Ashley J. Mandanas (known for their work in films and on stages including Lyric Theatre and OKC Rep) will join the cast as the Stage Manager, providing students an opportunity to work alongside a seasoned professional.
Audience members also are invited to contribute to an interactive installation in the theater lobby, sharing their own memories and perspectives on what 鈥淥ur Town鈥� means to them. Opening night will feature a celebration inducting distinguished alumni into the School of Theatre鈥檚 Hall of Honor.
Tickets for 鈥淥ur Town鈥� are available online at okcu.edu/tickets or by calling 405-208-5227.
