Susan Deiger
UNK Theatre, 308.865.8406
NOTE TO MEDIA: There will be a media preview for “The Malcontent” on Monday, Nov. 15, at 7:30 p.m. Media are invited to attend this dress rehearsal. This will be the only opportunity to take photos of the production.
UNK– A deposed duke takes on an alter ego, the malcontent, to try and regain his lost dukedom in the University of Nebraska at Kearney production of “The Malcontent,” which opens Wednesday, Nov. 17, on the campus.
“The Malcontent” performances will be Wednesday-Saturday, Nov. 17-20, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 21, at 2 p.m., in the Miriam Drake Theatre, which is located in the UNK Fine Arts Building.
“The Italian duke was banished, so he disguises himself and manipulates the other dukes in the kingdom,” said Jack Garrison, play director and associate professor of theatre. “There is a lot of back stabbing, sword fighting, poisoning and some romance.”
“The Malcontent,” which was written by John Marston in 1604, defies the whimsical Shakespearean era. The play takes on a cynical approach to the government of the 1500s when James I was the ruler of England.
Garrison rewrote some of the Shakespearean language to make the play more modern, but old Italian-style costumes will still be worn.
“The 400-year-old script will easier to understand for the viewers,” Garrison said. “The play flows quickly and smoothly, more like a modern play.”
According to Garrison, “The Malcontent” is recommended for individuals high school-age and older. The play contains several kissing scenes, some violence and 16th century swearing, Garrison said.
“Audience members will be surprised at how many twists and turns the plot takes,” he said. “There is always somebody out to get someone else.”
Admission is free to UNK students; $7 for adults; and $5 for UNK faculty/staff, non-UNK students and seniors. For tickets, or more information, contact the box office at 308.865.8417 or boxoffice@unk.edu.
The cast and crew are listed below, alphabetically by hometown.
Cast
CRAWFORD– Colter Lemmon, Celso
DAVID CITY– Megan Buresh, Bianca
JUNIATA– Addison Heeren, Equato
KEARNEY– Natalie Burling, Maria; Amy Knispel, Aurelia; and Kyle Kuypers, Passarello
LINCOLN– Nate Rocke, Page/Mercury; Spencer Wolfe, Pietro
O’NEILL– Jordan Peterson, Malevole
ORD– Ryan Hruza, Mendoza
RED CLOUD– Eric Reitcheck, Bilioso
WALLACE– Taylor Franzen, Emilia
WESTERN– Matthew Schwan, Ferrardo
WINSIDE– Kyle Mundil, Ferneze
OUT OF STATE
KANSAS
MANHATTAN– Carolyn Wirtz, Maquerelle
SOUTH DAKOTA
PIERCE– Nate White, Captain of the Guards
Stage Management
AXTELL– Kassandra Wendell, stage manager
FREMONT– Jamie Bentley, assistant stage manager