Viterbo Theatre opens with "Waiting for Godot" Aug. 27
LA CROSSE, Wis—The Viterbo College Theatre Department opens its fall season of performances in the La Croix Black Box with the famous tragicomedy "Waiting for Godot" by French playwright Samuel Beckett.
The play, directed by Dr. Janet McLean of the Viterbo Theatre Department, is scheduled for 7:30 performances Friday through Tuesday August 27-31.
"Godot" has been described by many as perhaps the most influential absurdist play of the 20th century. Beckett’s parody focuses on the experiences of two wayward bums, Vladamir and Estragon (played by Ben Huber and Joel Powell), who wait endlessly for Godot, a person who they hope will explain their insignificance in the world or put an end to it.
McLean feels the choice of "Waiting for Godot" is a good one as the new century draws near. "This portrait of dogged resilience of mankind’s spirit in the face of little hope is moving, often funny, grotesquely beautiful, and utterly absorbing in the context of the approaching millennium," she said.
"The characters in the play don’t know what they are waiting for or why. It’s an ultimate parody. Vladamir and Estragon know the future is important but no one seems to know why. It’s like us. There is all this emphasis on the year 2000, but in reality, what’s there that is any different from what is going on now?"
Tickets are available at the Viterbo College Box Office located at 929 Jackson.
EDITORS: PLEASE NOTE STUDENTS FROM YOUR HOMETOWN.
WAITING FOR GODOT CAST LIST
HOMETOWN NAME ROLE/FUNCTION
OHIO
Clayton Roberts, Jason Stage Manager
SOUTH DAKOTA
Sioux Falls Barth, Abigail Pozzo
WISCONSIN
Eau Claire Behrens, Kelly Ann Lighting Designer
Greendale Wahhab, Nadia Production Assistant
Jackson Krueger, Megan Asst Stage Manager
La Crosse Schniepp, Kevin Lucky
Ogema Duncan, Aubrey "Boy"
Onalaska Huber, Benjamin Vladimir
Union Grove Powell, Joel Estragon