McNeese Theatre presents centuries-old play with timeless message
<div class="Content"><p class="indent">McNeese State University’s 79th theatre season will open with “The Summoning of Everyman” in Tritico Theatre at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 24 – 27 and at 2 p.m. Oct. 28. “The Summoning of Everyman” is a morality play written in the 15th century and chronicles an individual’s journey to understanding what truly matters in the span of eternity.
<p class="indent">Originally written by clergy for an illiterate population, the play seeks to show audience members what is Biblically required to enter heaven. The cast includes four different main actors, two males and two females, in the role of “Everyman” because “even though its “Everyman” it’s mankind. The themes encompass every person on the planet,” said Director Charles McNeely.
<p class="indent">Written as an allegory, “Everyman” meets fellowship, kindred, good deeds and knowledge and through the course of those interactions comes to understand the true weight of his time on earth. On his journey to the grave, “Everyman” realizes that ultimately he can only take his good deeds with him to the afterlife, explained McNeely.
<p class="indent">Though the play is centuries old its message is timeless, McNeely said. “I think it’s a universal message and I think it’s a universal theme…Everybody ultimately will pass and basically, the bottom line is, you can’t bring anything with you when that time comes.”
<p class="indent">He added, however, that teaching the Christian roots of the play is not the ultimate purpose of the production. Rather, the play is intended provoke independent thought within audience members as they consider the implications of the play’s message in their own life. “With the current culture and mind-set of many people, I’m wondering how they’re going to respond…We don’t like to shove anything down someone’s throat. We want to allow them to see something and have their own personal response to it.”
Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for McNeese faculty/staff, senior citizens, teachers and youth. Tickets are free for McNeese students with a current ID. For tickets or more information call 337-475-5050 or visit <span class="text_link link_wrap type_url" data-link-type="URL" data-link-target="http://www.mcneese.edu/performingartsboxoffice">www.mcneese.edu/performingartsboxoffice</span>.
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