Theatre Arts Department takes the stage with “Blood Wedding”
Theatre Arts students Rachel Ritacco ’11 and Kyle Ryan ’09 star in "Blood Wedding."
by Danielle Chery ‘09 (Journalism)
Public Affairs intern
The poetry of Langston Hughes comes alive with the Theatre Arts Department’s production of “Blood Wedding,” which runs through April 26.
“Blood Wedding” was written by Federico Garcia Lorca and is directed by Anita Gonzalez (Theatre Arts). Gonzalez said Hughes, who is best known for his work during the Harlem Renaissance, captures the sense of desire and betrayal that permeates the emotive life of almost all of the characters.
The cast is made up of Theatre Arts majors Stephanie Spohrer ‘09 as The Mother, Rachel Ritacco ‘11 as The Bride, Matt Martino ‘10 as The Groom, Kyle Ryan ‘09 as Leonardo, Larissa Goldberg ‘09 as The Moon and Flannery Spring Robinson ‘09 as The Beggar.
According to Gonzalez, the play includes rich symbolism. The images of death, blood, knives and the wedding dress evoke strong reactions and visceral emotions.
“For our students here at New Paltz, ‘Blood Wedding’ poses enticing challenges for the actors’ vocal and physical instruments,” she said. “In our rehearsal process, we have immersed ourselves in the symbolic possibilities of language, considering the multiple meanings of phrases.”
Showtimes are 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday in McKenna Theatre.
Tickets for “Blood Wedding” are $16 for general reserved seating and $14 for seniors, faculty and students. Tickets are available for purchase at the Box Office in McKenna Theatre.
For more information about “Blood Wedding,” visit
www.newpaltztheatrearts.tix.com/Event.asp?Event=159684.
