S. ABINGTON TWP. — Clarks Summit University’s (CSU) Theater Department is bringing a new perspective to an old story under the direction of Jonathan Strayer, assistant professor and technical director for theatre.
“Everyman,” which will be performed at 8 p.m. Oct. 13 through 15 and 20 through 22 in the Phelps Student Center, is a classic 15th century morality play that deals with life, death, good and evil. In the allegorical account, the main character, Everyman, represents all of mankind. The play tells a musical story alongside traditional acting.
This is the first main stage theatre production at CSU to be directed by Strayer, an alumnus who worked in professional and educational theatre for more than 10 years. Prior to coming to CSU, Strayer taught at Marywood University, Penn State Worthington-Scranton and Keystone College. He is an actor, director and artistic director of Ghostlight Productions, a regional theatre company he co-founded with his wife, Rachel Strayer.
The 15th century script has been edited and rewritten by Strayer and cast member Susanna Ferbrache. Each performance will be unique, in that a different member of the cast will play the main character every night. The play employs experimental and devised theater, which is also new for the CSU stage. The cast is encouraged to construct ideas and try new things during rehearsals to tell the story.
Tickets are $8 and can be reserved by calling the box office at 570-585-9000 or online at ClarksSummitU.edu/events.
