ARCHIVE: SEASON 19 | May 2007

review

Pratchett’s literary genius could be described as a fusion of Mark Twain’s wit, Jonathan Swift’s satire, and Douglas Adam’s fantastical inventiveness. Pratchett generously sprinkle allegories as he weaves stories that bring to life his outrageously funny universe of Discworld—a large disc resting on the backs of four giant elephants, who in turn, are balanced on the shell of an enormous turtle swimming through space.

The denizens of Discworld include dwarves and gnomes, zombies and trolls, werewolves and vampires, witches and wizards, humans, and even the odd orangutan librarian. Harry Potter would turn green with envy if only he knew what he was missing by not being on Discworld!

In Wyrd Sisters, the land has awakened in protest and the satire parallels timeless cultural and political issues. Pratchett twists faery tale and Shakespeare into his story, entwining plot from Macbeth, Hamlet, and Sleeping Beauty and embracing the Wyrd Sisters (Granny, Nanny, and Magrat) as the heroines of the tale.

The award-winning Summer Youth Theatre has been recognized by The Austin Chronicle as “Best Theatre for Kids That Treats Kids Like Grownups”. The program features a Youth Company, ages 13-17, collaborating with adult artists to created a fully produced theatrical production.

Adult Guest Artists: Steven Fay, Amber Grundman, Traci Koesis, and Tricia Storie.
The 2007 Summer Youth Company features: Avery Ashwill, Sebastian Garcia, Natalie C. Houchins, Adaire Kamen, Megan Krou, Angela Loftus, Stephanie Lumpkin, Anissa Lashai McVea, Gary Lewis Moore Jr., Chance Parmlay, and Lindsey Phillips.

Directed by Mick D’arcy, Scenic Design by Ann Marie Gordon, Costume Design by Talena Martinez, Sound Design by David DeMaris, Lighting Design by Daniel Garrison

Mick D'arcy has been a member of VORTEX Repertory Company since 1991. He acts, writes, sings, and directs and has performed dozens of leading and supporting roles with VORTEX. He has worked with Summer Youth Theatre for many years performing key roles in Cyrano de Bergerac, The Good Woman of Setzuan, Moby Dick, Dickens' A Tale of Two Cities, and Animal Farm. He brings his life-long passion for theatre and fantasy literature together in this production of Terry Pratchett's vision.

SYT is funded in part by VORTEX Repertory Company, the City of Austin under the auspices of the Austin Arts Commission, and the Texas Commission on the Arts.