March 20-23, 2019

Silence by Moira Buffini, is a play loosely based on the history of the Dark Ages in England. Directed by Penny Hasekoester and presented by Sam Houston State University’s Department of Theatre and Musical Theatre in the Showcase Theatre March 20-23, 2019 with evening performances at 7:30 p.m. and a Saturday matinee performance at 2:00 p.m.

Recipient of the Susan Smith Blackburn award, Silence is not easily explained, as it takes place on the brink of change and assimilation in a fictionalized 11th century England. The play draws upon historical figures and events but does not limit itself to presenting those figures and events with historical accuracy. Playing very loosely with known facts, Buffini has hatched a roguish tale evocative of medieval war sagas, court intrigue, and Shakespearean-like cross-dress comedy. Setting a study of gender fluidity in Viking-beset Britain over one thousand years ago sounds like a Monty Python sketch, but it's a feat that Moira Buffini pulls off with considerable panache in Silence.

Full of quirky humor, history feels immediate, as does the everyday threat of menace; as characters, regularly reiterate their belief that they are "living…on the edge of destruction". The contemporaneous nature of the script’s message is almost too close for comfort.

Call the BOX OFFICE at 936.294.2339 or visit www.shsutickets.com to purchase your tickets online. General admission tickets are $10. 

The Showcase Theatre is located in the University Theatre Center at 1740 Bobby K. Marks Drive and 17th street between the Newton Gresham Library and the James and Nancy Gaertner Performing Arts Center.

MEET DIRECTOR Penny Hasekoester:

Penny is a Professor Theatre and Associate Dean of the College of Fine Arts and Mass Communication. M.F.A., University of Texas; M.A., Western Kentucky University; B.A., Eastern Kentucky University: produced playwright, professional acting and directing credits; creative drama specialist; 2003 Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival National Finalist with the SHSU production of The Laramie Project, Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival Region VI Texas State Chair.

MEET THE CAST

ARTISTIC STAFF

Assistant Director, Marcella Alba (Junior, Musical Theatre major)
Scenic Design, Nicholas Graves
Sound Design, Eric Marsh
Costume Design, Sky Jones (Senior, Design & Technology major)
Light Design, Eric Marsh
Assistant Light Design, Lexi Renfro (Sophomore, Design & Technology major)
Fight Director, Kevin Crouch

PRODUCTION STAFF

Stage Manager, Sarah Sturdevant (Senior, Acting & Directing major)
Assistant Stage Managers, Aaron Piccirillo (Freshman, Acting & Directing major) Mackenzie Hardy, (Freshman, Acting & Directing major)
Props Master, Charly Topper
Technical Director, Craig Brossman
Assistant Technical Director, Charly Topper
Costume Shop Supervisor, George Curry
Theatre Manager, Katie Prior
Box Office Manager, James Shields
Production Coordinator, Bill Thomas
Poster and Photography, Gavin Calais (Senior, Musical Theatre major)