ADRIAN, Mich. – Adrian College Theatre invites all to attend a unique presentation of four plays by Erik Ehn. Loosely based on the lives of saints and biblical characters ranging from John the Baptist to Joan of Arc, these on-going productions place these infamous protagonists and their suffering in a modern context.
These contemporary fairy tales for the stage are an important contribution to current explorations of the poetic and spiritual nature of theater. These surprising dramas create their own language, interrogating the limits of empathy and faith.
“The plays grow out of [Ehn's] deep Catholic faith which reveals a specifically Franciscan spiritual energy in its community-based ethos and hallowed desire to infuse contemporary life with a feeling for the divine,” says Bonnie Marranca, of Plays For the End of the Century. “Ehn’s saint plays partake of the century-long Judeo-Christian tradition of modern writers dramatizing the great themes of faith, evil, spiritual longing and soul states in plays that include saints, angels or biblical characters.”
“His joyful drama sings the praises of the poetic voice and image in portraits of people crafted like beautiful holy cards.”
The plays will begin November 30 and run until December 3. Perfotmances will begin at 8:00 pm in Downs Hall theatre on the campus of Adrian College. Tickets prices are $8.00 for the general public and $6.00 for students, seniors and Adrian College staff.
