Saint Mary’s Aquila Theatre will host a live production of the novel “Wuthering Heights” on Oct. 13, at 7:30 p.m. in the O’Laughlin Auditorium.
This performance is part of the Shaheen/Duggan Performing Arts Series, which also includes the production of "Raisin’ Cane: A Harlem Renaissance Odyssey" which will be performed Sept. 18.
Richard Baxter, Director of Special Events at Saint Mary’s College, said both performances are a good opportunity for students to get involved with the arts on campus.
“You have the Harlem Renaissance [Odyssey] this month and the classic English novel the next month,” he said. “Who wouldn’t want to experience that?”
Baxter said the goal of the Performing Arts Series is to provide the students with a well-rounded experience during their four years in school.
“So they should, within this four year period, experience theatre, dance, comedy,” Baxter said. “They should be provided with a healthy mix of what performing arts would be so that when they leave here, if they have attended, they can say ‘wow, I’ve experienced this, this, and this,’ rather than only one nutrient. It’s a healthy diet.”
Since many are familiar with Emily Bronte’s classic novel, Baxter said he hopes the students can experience this novel in a whole new way.
“Often times when you read a great novel, you enjoy it on a very personal level," he said. "If you were to go see a theatrical version of that novel you get to experience it as a group, and I am hoping that is what they are going to get.
“I want them to experience some excitement and experience a different facet of the story because they’ll see the characters, they’ll experience the action and it’s a great theatre company.”
Baxter said he wants to open up students’ minds to a new way of thinking about the novel.
“Students will have a chance to see things in the story that they never anticipated, or they will be reaffirmed of what they read,” he said. “It’s just a different way to experience a great story.”
Tickets for Saint Mary’s, Notre Dame and Holy Cross students are $13.
“This is an opportunity that doesn’t come along very often," he said. "Prices are relatively low and the experience is rich, and it’s here.
“You can roll out of your room and come see an exciting performance, and you don’t have to deal with parking or any of those things that you would associate with good theatre. You don’t even need to check your coat. You can just come in and enjoy the performance and write about it or think about it or plan your next attendance."
