MC Theatre Department to present “God of Carnage” May 1-2
March 24, 2021
The Maryville College Theatre Department will present “God of Carnage” May 1-2, 2021.
Performances will be presented virtually. To obtain links to the virtual performances, which are available free of charge, please contact the Clayton Center for the Arts Box Office at 865-981-8590 or boxoffice@claytonartscenter.com.
“God of Carnage,” written by Yasmina Reza, won the 2009 Tony Award for Best Play. It follows two sets of parents, the Novaks and the Raleighs, as they meet to discuss a playground altercation between their 11-year-old sons. When they begin attempting to parent the other couple’s child, tensions rise, alcohol flows and hilarity ensues. Over the course of the evening, they each revert to their 11-year-old self when faced with a bully in front of them.
Doug James, adjunct instructor of theatre at MC, is the director of the production. He said that this comedy will stir up laughter among the audience, while raising some important questions about today’s society.
“We are living in a world where ‘I’m Right and You’re Wrong’ is the way that we conduct our lives. Do you remember another time in your life where this was the only response? That is right. The playground. Kids will argue if it is raining or drizzling,” James said. “Now put that mentality into a group of adults who feel that they know exactly what it means to raise a child. By making the play a hysterical comedy, the playwright allows us to view these couples as hideous versions of themselves. However, if you look just below the surface, you may find that you are more like them than you know.”
James said he selected this play for a multitude of reasons.
“First, we wanted a play that would be easy to keep students and crew safe in a COVID world; therefore, a play of four was perfect,” James said. “Secondly, we wanted a comedy. This world is too full of drama these days, and most people want to laugh. Finally, we wanted something timely with strong characters that these undergraduate actors could really sink their teeth into, and this play does that and more.”
Cast members include: Chris Rodriguez ’21, a senior theatre studies major from Kodak, Tenn.,as Michael Novak; Brittany Barthelmess ’22, a junior theatre studies major from Wolfeboro, N.H. as Veronica Novak; David Steele ’21, a senior theatre studies and psychology (counseling) double major from Maryville, Tenn., as Alan Raleigh; and Hudson Perrine ’21, a senior theatre studies major from Sugar Hill, Ga., as Annette Raleigh.
Written by Grant Agnew ’22, Communications Assistant