Classical Week, an annual event hosted by the Shakouls Honors College, will include a performance of “Oedipus” at 6 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday in the Griffis Courtyard, and the first lecture from the Orators.
The production of the play, as well as the scholarly lectures, are designed to introduce campus students to ancient Greek history, and will specifically focus on “Oedipus” this year.
Donna Clevinger, the director of the play, senior faculty at Mississippi State University and MSU communication professor, said the version of the play from Bernard Knox provides an interesting and pensive translation. Clevinger said she is impressed by how much work the performers have put in for the performance.
“This cast has been outstanding to work with,” Clevinger said. “They have done everything I have asked them to do to prepare for their parts in the play.”
Sinclair Keyes, a student playing the queen’s lady in waiting, said rehearsals began with auditions and went on for approximately five weeks. She said they were intense and, at times, time-consuming.
“We’ve put in a lot of work, actually because it was such a short timeline,” Keyes said.
Since auditions, Arvind Loganathan, who plays Tiresias the blind prophet, said the practices, despite being consistent and intense, have been an enjoyable experience.
“We’ve been rehearsing three to four times a week, and as the play’s been closing up, we’ve been rehearsing five to six times a week,” Loganathan said.
Many of the students starring in “Odeipus” have limited theater experience, but chose to audition entirely based on their passion for Greek history and their desire to learn about theatre.
Loganathan, a freshman at MSU majoring in biological engineering, said he auditioned for this play because he wanted to involve himself in something outside of his typical skill set, and all the students are glad for this opportunity to express their passion for theater.
“College is a new experience; I want to try new things at college,” Loganathan said. “I’ve never done theater prior to this, so it’s pretty exciting to me.”
Clevinger, while enthused for the play, said she is equally excited for the lecture series complementing the performance.
“On Thursday, we are starting a new lecture program called the Orators. That is a public lecturer where we invite noted scholars to bring their research that is somehow connected with the play ‘Oedipus,'” Clevinger said.
The scholars will be at MSU lecturing at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday on the fourth floor of Griffis Hall. These lectures will be live streamed and open to the public.
Keyes said the cast worked hard for over a month to perfect this performance, and all MSU students and faculty are welcome to come and spend an hour enjoying their hard work.
“We’ve all had a great time, and I’m excited for everyone to come and see the show,” Keyes said.