Union College Theatre to Perform Hecuba, a Greek Tragedy

Haley Bowling, as Hecuba, is surrounded by the chorus of Trojan women (Left to right-- Elizabeth Chavies, Penny Mills, Gabrielle Mellendorf, Elizabeth Lambdin, and Brittani Newman) during a rehearsal of UCT's production of Hecuba. *Click photo for larger picture

After three consecutive comedies, Union College Theatre will offer a Greek Tragedy for the major production of the fall semester. Hecuba, by Euripedes, is scheduled to open Thursday, October 21 at the Rector Little Theatre. Performances continue October 22, 23, 29, and 30. Curtain for all performances is 8:00 p.m.

Tickets are available at the Union College Bookstore. Remaing tickets will be sold at the door at the Rector Little Theatre prior to performances. General admission is $5.00.

This play deals with the fate of women whose men folk have lost a war. In this case, the women are members of the ruling family of Troy-women who once had everything and now face slavery and poverty. Hecuba, wife of Priam and mother of Hector, has always been the symbol for such a reversal of fortune.

The Greeks have sacked Troy, divided the spoils (which include the royal women), tried to sail home, and are now beached in Thrace due to lack of wind. Achilles, the greatest of the Greek warriors and now a ghost, demands the sacrifice of Hecuba's youngest daughter in exchange for wind to resume the journey. Hecuba fights to save her daughter but loses yet another loved one. When Hecuba learns of the savage murder of her youngest son, she loses her humanity and exacts a terrible revenge.

Newcomer Haley Bowling, a freshman from Heidrick, takes on the challenging role of Hecuba. She is sure to astonish audiences with her mature and powerful performance. After two years with UCT, Ashley Bowman of Corbin High School has landed the demanding role of Polyxena, Hecuba's daughter.

Leading the chorus of five is Gabrielle Mellendorf, who performed most of her duties backstage last year. Other members of the chorus are freshmen newcomers Elizabeth Chavies and Penny Mills. UC staff member Elizabeth Lambdin, joined by Brittani Newman from Barbourville High School rounds out this chorus of Trojan women.

Union College alumnus, Jason Middleton appears for the first time on the UCT stage in the role of Polymestor, the king of Thrace responsible for the murder of Hecuba's son. Playing Polymester's little son is Derek Mills, an adorable eight-year old.

Dan Covington, whose "day job" is teaching Biology at the College, makes a return appearance in the role of Agamemnon, the general of the allied Greek army. The first time he took on the role of Agamemnon was in Iphigeneia at Aulis six years ago. Jon Cooley, another member of the faculty and a newcomer to the UCT stage, plays Odysseus, a reprehensible demagogue.

Ricky Ball, last seen as the fiery Valere in Tartuffe: Born Again, takes on the role of Talthybius, a Greek herald who has great compassion for the suffering of the captive women.

Other members of the cast are newcomers Amanda Smith, Cody Collins, Joe Hammons, and Amanda Stevenson.

Last year's Best Actress Elisha Comer and veteran John Howard will be sharing the duties of Stage Manager. Matthew Wells, who graduated last year as a theatre major, is making the costumes. Other veteran members of the crew are staff member Melissa Garrett, and students Chris Garland, Shanon Ingram, and Danny Nettleton. Rounding out the crew are newcomers Michael Miles, Earl Helton, Rocco Severino, and Travis Carmack.

October 11, 2004

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