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The Mischevious Machinations of Scapin to be first theater production of the year

By Trent Chaffee '09
October 28, 2005

The St. Olaf Theater Department annually presents five theater productions a year, plus a One Act Festival each May. Its first production, The Mischevious Machinations of Scapin by Moliere and directed by visiting artist Mariana Araoz, opens Wednesday, Oct. 26 at 7:30 p.m. in the Theater Building, Kelsey Theater, with additional performances on Oct. 27, 28 and 29 at 7:30 p.m., and matinee performances on Oct. 29 and 30 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $8 for the general public and can be obtained at the St. Olaf Theater box office (507-646-8987).

The Mischevious Machinations of Scapin is a tale of romance and deception that finds two young men in love with penniless beautiful women. The young men enlist the services of the crafty servant Scapin to help them solve their problems. This production of Scapin will not be a "traditional" Moliere production. Set in Argentina during the 1920s, a time when there was a large influx of immigrants arriving in the Americas, it will be performed with the majority of the characters in mask. The performance will include music and dance inspired by the style of the Argentinean tango.

Director Mariana Araoz is a visiting artist trained in dramatics and performance using masks. Araoz was born in Argentina and studied dramatics and mask performance extensively in France. She has ample experience teaching mask performance skills, including workshops in France, Ecuador, Venezuela and at St Olaf.

St. Olaf students make up both the cast and crew of Scapin. Scenic design is by faculty member Brian Bjorklund and costume design is by staff member Aimee Jillson. Music and dance choreography is by St. Olaf senior Julia Langenberg.

Contact Carole Engblom at 507-646-3271 or leigh@stolaf.edu.