Classical myth and contemporary attitudes collide in Ohio Wesleyan University’s production of “The Love of the Nightingale,” playwright Timberlake Wertenbaker’s modern retelling of the Greek myth of Philomele.
The three lead actors in Ohio Wesleyan's "The Love of the Nightengale" (owu)
“The Love of the Nightingale” will be performed at 8 p.m. April 16, 17, 23 and 24, and at 2 p.m. April 25 on the Main Stage of Chappelear Drama Center on the Ohio Wesleyan campus in Delaware, Ohio.
“This provocative, theatrical play weaves and juxtaposes themes of love, violence, and the cost of silence,” said Ohio Wesleyan theatre professor Edward Kahn, Ph.D., who is directing the production.
The play, originally commissioned for the Royal Shakespeare Company, has been described by critics as “that rare thing, a compelling piece of theatre which may indeed rivet you to your seat … a raw piece of myth making for a violated age.”
The play tells the story of Philomele; her sister, Procne; and Procne’s husband, Tereus. After Tereus rapes Philomele, he cuts out her tongue to silence her. The sisters exact gruesome revenge in Wertenbaker’s play, which is told from a feminist perspective and which contains mature content not suitable for children.
The cast and crew for Ohio Wesleyan’s production of “The Love of the Nightingale” include more than 50 OWU students. The set was designed by Chadwyn Knutson, lighting by D. Glen Vanderbilt Jr. and costumes by Jacqueline Shelley. Ohio Wesleyan junior Samantha Owen is serving as stage manager.
Lead actors include junior Rachel Brumfield as Philomele; sophomore Anne Flowers as Procne; and senior Michael DiBiasio as Tereus.
To reserve tickets for “The Love of the Nightingale,” call the OWU Theatre Box Office at (740) 368-3855 from 9 a.m. to noon or 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Ticket prices are $10 for general admission and $5 for Ohio Wesleyan employees, non-OWU students, and senior citizens. Admission is free for Ohio Wesleyan students with a valid OWU ID.
