FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, February 29, 2008
“ACCIDENTAL DEATH OF AN ANARCHIST” TO BE PERFORMED AT BETHANY
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| Bethany students Zach Allen (from left), Dan Metcalfe and Ben Helmers will appear in "Accidental Death of an Anarchist" March 13-15 in Burnett Center. |
LINDSBORG, Kan.—From March 13 through 15, Bethany College theatre will offer “Accidental Death of an Anarchist,” the most popular play by Nobel Prize-winning author Dario Fo.
The show will be performed at 7:30 p.m. in Burnett Center on the Bethany College campus.
Bethany students will direct, stage and act in the farcical production, which – despite its critical acclaim – is not often performed.
“Accidental Death of an Anarchist” chronicles the story of a maniac apprehended for impersonations. While in jail, the maniac takes up arms against state corruption, ironically playing the role of judge for the police who arrested him.
Senior Cody Whetstone, Lindsborg, Kan., directs the show. A veteran of Bethany College theatre and Lindsborg’s Broadway RFD, Whetstone is majoring in English education and philosophy with a minor in theatre.
“The show is non-traditional, full of slapstick,” said Whestone. “I think it’s brilliant of Fo to not be afraid to couple deep political thought with farce.”
The production’s staging at Bethany will draw on the experimental style of the play. That, along with the relevancy of political themes in the play itself, should make the show a unique experience for audiences.
Junior John Cox, Wakefield, Kan., will make his Bethany stage debut in the role of the maniac. Dan Metcalfe, Overland Park, Kan., will play the lead cop.
Other Bethany students acting in the show are: Ann Labes, Delphos, Kan.; Nicolette Unruh, Pawnee Rock, Kan.; Emily Petrosky, Seguin, Texas; Ben Helmers, Willow Springs, Mo.; Zach Allen, Smith Center, Kan.; Katie Mannebach, Oakley, Kan.; Brianna Kaiser, Hoisington, Kan.; and Yaphete Msgna, Dallas, Texas. This is Msgna’s first show with Bethany theatre.
“Accidental Death of an Anarchist” contains adult language. Admission is free for Bethany College faculty, staff and students. Otherwise, admission is $3 for students and $5 for adults.
Bethany College, established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881, is a college of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The mission of Bethany College is to nurture and challenge individuals in their search for truth and meaning as they lead lives of faith, learning and service. Bethany College is on the Web at www.bethanylb.edu.
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