Saint Francis University to stage Ekphrasis for fall production

Inspired by artworks in SAMA Loretto's upcoming exhibit, Return to Eden

Loretto, PA (10/12/2023) — Tickets are available for Saint Francis University's Center for Fine Arts fall production: Ekphrasis, a play written by 2023 graduate Scott Riner.

This unique production will be staged in the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art in Loretto from Friday, Nov. 17, through Sunday, Nov. 20. The non-traditional theatrical setting invites the audience to experience an adaptation of the myth of Persephone as it spontaneously unfolds surrounded by the art that inspired Riner's script.

Show times are Friday, Nov. 17 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, 18 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Nov. 19 at 2 p.m. Tickets will be $10 for general admission; $5 for children and SFU students; $7 for SFU Faculty/Staff. A special fundrasing event will be held on Thursday, Nov. 16 ahead the general performances.

Visit events.francis.edu/event/ekphrasis to purchase tickets online.

In this adaptation, Hades is an uninspired artist in the "below" until he becomes aware of Kora (Persephone) and her relationship with flowers and life in the "above." Hades makes Kora his muse, and he soon becomes full of life and fills the "below" with beautiful floral paintings. Deceived by Hades's brother, Zeus, Kora finds her way to "below," where Hades names her Persephone and asks her to stay with him. Kora feels the pull of "above," especially the warmth of the sun and her mother's (Demeter's) love. The play asks us to consider how we love: ourselves and others in various contexts. The play also asks us to consider how we remember other parts and times of our life and memory itself.

Riner's latest production is inspired by works in SAMA's upcoming exhibit, Return to Eden, featuring Cara Livorio's mesmerizing collection of immersive gardens, each intricately interwoven with the fragments of human existence. He also found inspiration in Sarah Ruhl's play Eurydice.

The cast list for Ekphrasis includes Elizabeth Fromm, Brenna Kern, and Andrew Sill as the Bluebirds. Miranda Weiland will assume the role of Kora/Persephone, while Erin Pyle plays Demeter and John Paul Caroff portrays Hades. Kevin Waite assumes the character of Zeus. Additional roles include Tessa Paluzzi as Farmer/Gardener, Erin Golding as Captain/Gardener, Logan Kearns as Poet/Gardener, and Abrielle Brown, Madi Runk, Kylee Innes, and Lydia Anderson as Greek God(dess)/Gardeners.

Saint Francis University in Loretto, PA, is the oldest Catholic-Franciscan college in the United States. Its mission is to help students grow into compassionate, successful professionals through a culture of faith, generosity, respect, discovery, and joy. Saint Francis University offers traditional campus-based learning and competitive online and graduate degree offerings.

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Theatre production inspired by artworks in Southern Alleghenies Museum of Arts upcoming Loretto location exhibit, Return to Eden, featuring Cara Livorio's mesmerizing collection of immersive gardens, each intricately interwoven with the fragments of human existence.