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"Doctor Faustus" conjures up high-tech spirits

April 7, 2007

KALAMAZOO--Western Michigan University presents seven performances of "Doctor Faustus," Thursday, April 12, through Sunday, April 22, in Shaw Theatre.

The final production in the University Theatre's 100th-anniversary season harnesses stereoscopic 3-D projections, computer-generated imagery, high-definition video and other cutting-edge multimedia technologies used in films, video games, IMAX theaters and theme parks.

Performances of "Doctor Faustus"

  • Thursday, April 12, 8 p.m. (opening night reception)
  • Friday, April 13, 8 p.m.
  • Saturday, April 14, 8 p.m.
  • Thursday, April 19, 8 p.m.
  • Friday, April 20, 8 p.m.
  • Saturday, April 21, 8 p.m.
  • Sunday, April 22, 2 p.m.

Christopher Marlowe's "Doctor Faustus" is an immortal Elizabethan drama about a scientist who sells his soul to the devil in exchange for all the knowledge of the world. It is an iconic drama that deals with universal themes of faith, knowledge and ambition, telling a tale of the breakdown that can occur when one chooses material gains over spiritual integrity.

Guest artist Leon Ingulsrud directs the cast of WMU students: Katie Dickinson, Catherine Dildilian, Dave Emmert, Benjamin Fergus, Sara Garcia, Kristin Joy Greer, Alexandra Grossi, Allison Hendrix, Phoebe Rose Kelly, Phil Korth, Kim Krane, Evan Isaac Lipkin, Zach Martens, Shannon Elizabeth McPhee, Seth Miller, Oliverliski Murphy, Jr., Takaaki Otawa, Liam Quealy, John Scranton II and Jay Stark.

The creative team includes students Julia Kosanovich, co-costume designer, Laura O. Williams, stage manager, and Jillian Kurtz, makeup designer, as well as WMU faculty and staff members Greg D. Roehrick, scenic designer, Gwendolyn Nagle, co-costume designer, Matthew A. Knewtson, lighting designer, Micha Espinosa, vocal coach, and Garylee McCormick, hair designer.

Interactive technology in the performance was made possible by a WMU Digital Media in the Performing Arts Innovation Grant. Project Director Kevin Abbott, a multimedia specialist in WMU's Office of Information Technology, and a team of collaborators worked with performing arts students and faculty members to apply high-tech digital media to "Doctor Faustus," pushing the boundaries of production, research and application of performing arts technology.

Tickets for "Doctor Faustus" at WMU's Shaw Theatre, located in the Gilmore Theatre Complex, are on sale now for $17 each. Discounts are available for senior citizens, WMU faculty and staff members and WMU students. Tickets are available at (269) 387-6222 or www.wmich.edu/theatre, or by visiting the Gilmore Theatre Complex Ticket Office, Miller Auditorium Ticket Office or Epic Center Box Office in downtown Kalamazoo.

Related article [more about the technology]
WMU production first to use advanced technology onstage

Media contact: Tonya Hernandez, (269) 387-8400, tonya.hernandez@wmich.edu

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