Indiana State University Newsroom

The Indiana State University theater department opens the Spanish Golden Age drama "Life is a Dream" on Wednesday, Oct. 16 in the New Theater, 536 N. Seventh Street on the Indiana State campus.

This riveting and compelling play, directed by Professor Arthur Feinsod, follows the character of Segismund, a wizard-king's son, who has spent his life imprisoned by his father based on bad omens at his birth. When Segismund is released and fails to prove the omens false, he is returned to his cell. Meanwhile, a woman arrives dressed as a man, seeking revenge for herself and her mother against men who dishonored them. But all can be redeemed once the characters realize this fragile reality we call life could be a dream and vanish in an instant. Filled with humor, exquisite language and exciting plot twists, "Life is a Dream" is the masterpiece of Spanish Golden Age drama and a tale for our time and all time.

"Life is A Dream" was written by dramatist Calderon de la Barca, who succeeded Lope de Vega as the greatest playwright of the Spanish Golden Age. A contemporary of Miguel de Cervantes who wrote "Don Quiote de la Mancha," Calderon is known for two secular dramas, "The Surgeon of His Honour" and "The Mayor of Zalamea." He also wrote religious dramas and became a priest towards the end of his life.

Members of the cast include Nicole Hill, Tommy McGee, Dylan Gentilcore, Luke Carr, Geno Hill, Phillip Hargro, Charles Adams, Rayanna Bibbs, Rashad Ellis and Brian Kogut.

Department of theater faculty designed the set (Linda Janosko) and costumes (Sherry McFadden), while students designed the lights (Andy Jablonski) and sound (Richard Wayne). The stage design is inspired by the work of the Belgian surrealist painter Rene Magritte and the sound design by the music of French composer Erik Satie.

The show runs through Sunday, Oct. 20. All performances are at 7:30 p.m. in the New Theater, with the exception of the Oct. 20 performance, which begins at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $10 for the general public and free to any student with a student ID. The ticket office will open one hour before each performance.

Writer: Paula Meyer, ISU Communications and Marketing, 812-237-3783 or paula.meyer@indstate.edu