An original performance by members of GLAWPIGT (Great Literature Alive, Well, & Playing In Greeneville, Tennessee) will take place during the annual Old Oak Festival at Tusculum, April 20-22. Twenty-seven members, ranging from fourth through twelfth grade will perform “A Whirlwind History of Theatre through the Ages.”
The narrative script, written by Director Marilyn duBrisk, director of Tusculum’s Arts Outreach program and artist-in-residence, traces theatre from Ancient Greece to contemporary theatre in a fast-paced and often hilarious exploration of varied theatre genres.
Audiences will be treated to excerpts ranging from Aristophanes’ “The Frogs” (405 B.C.) to a visit from St. Ethelwold of Wincester presenting a portion of the “Concordia Regularis” (973 A.D.) to Moliere’s “The Bourgeoisie Gentleman” (1670). The showcase will explore Vaudeville, Burlesque, American Musical Theatre and the French genre of Theatre of the Absurd. According to duBrisk, no GLAWPIGT performance would be complete without a hefty sprinkling of the works of the Bard of Avon, William Shakespeare.
Guiding the audience on their journey through this kaleidoscope of theatrical gems will be “Professor Gloria Doty” supported, and occasionally overtaken, by a literal wall of commentators. Portraying Professor Doty will be veteran GLAWPIGT member Mylee Doty, with commentary provided by Madalyn “Laura” Cozart, Emma “Ann” Waddell, Allie “Willow” Shelton, Maya “Penny” Gricunas, Maggie “Isabella” Hartman, Jorja “Geraldine” Ward and Selena “Trixie” Bakshi.
Featured members include; Jackson Beddingfield, Elizabeth Bosse, Reagan Bunch, Lavender Colmer, Carter DelSorbo, Griffin Gricunas, Claire Hoeke, Grace Lampe, Jack Lampe, Aden Moore, Emmaline Neas, Caedmon Oakes, Mattie Olmsted, Xari Roots, Elliott Tucker, Todd Wallin, Zach Wallin, Jade Ward and Anna Woods.
Performances will take place in the Behan Arena Theatre in the Annie Hogan Byrd Fine Arts building on Tusculum’s Greeneville campus. Show times are Friday, April 20 and Saturday, April 21 at 7 p.m. with matinee performances on Saturday, April 21 and Sunday, April 22 at 2 p.m. General admission for the showcase is $7 and payment can be made by cash or check only. No credit or debit cards will be accepted. Ticket reservations may be made by calling Tusculum Arts Outreach at 423-798-1620 or by e-mailing jhollowell@tusculum.edu.
The showcase is part of the annual Old Oak Festival at Tusculum, which will span three days, featuring live music, theater, arts and crafts and food. It is also part of the Acts, Arts, Academia Performance and Lecture series.
GLAWPIGT is an acronym for Great Literature Alive, Well, & Playing In Greeneville, Tennessee, and was formed in 1986 by duBrisk to promote reading and to bring great literature to life through the performing arts. The program is compiled of students from the Northeast Tennessee region, mostly from the Greeneville/Greene County area, who meet once a week during the academic year.
During GLAWPIGT sessions, members work on basic presentation and performance skills, including; proper vocal production technique, stage movement and character development. Members are also required to memorize selections of literature for public performance. Part of our program involves providing workshops to various school groups and organizations. One of the most successful and longest running programs of Tusculum Arts Outreach, for more than 30 years this program has brought literature to life and promoted reading through artistic interpretation and performance.
GLAWPIGT is under the auspices of Tusculum Arts Outreach which is led by duBrisk, Assistant Director Brian Ricker, Coordinator Jennifer Hollowell, Technical Director Frank Mengel and Costume Director Erin Schultz. It is supported in part by a grant from the Tennessee Arts Commission, Hearts for the Arts, as well as many generous donors and volunteers.
For information about GLAWPIGT or other Arts Outreach programs please call 423-798-1620, visit http://art.tusculum.edu, or via Facebook at TC Arts Outreach.
Members of GLAWPIGT (Great Literature Alive, Well, & Playing In Greeneville, Tennessee) prepare for their rollicking showcase, “A Whirlwind History of Theatre through the Ages.” Performances will be held Friday, April 20 and Saturday, April 21 at 7 p.m., with matinee performances on Saturday, April 21 and Sunday, April 22 at 2 p.m. in the Behan Arena Theatre on the Tusculum campus. The showcase is part of Tusculum’s Old Oak Festival.