Constraint Fuels Creativity : Programming Innovation in the Time of COVID

In May, Villanova Theatre commissioned five MA in Theatre alumni to write short plays in response to Anne Carson's adaptation of Euripides’ Bakkhai. These gifted playwrights were charged with creating new pieces that would reflect, refract and interrogate Euripides’ original play, and be able to be realized and transmitted remotely, in order to maintain safe distancing.

To the surprise of no one involved, Jessica Bedford (’10), Mark Costello (’10), Alexandra Espinoza (’18), Alix Rosenfeld (’16) and Megan Schumacher (’18) have crafted a diverse array of new works that promise to delight and inspire artists and audiences alike.

We are pleased, therefore, to announce our first production of the year - Bakkhai Variations, a collection of five filmed plays which will be presented both individually and as a unified work in the latter half of October. These events will be live-streamed to audiences in order to ensure the safety of all participants.

To help place these new works in the context of their ancient predecessor, Villanova Theatre will also present two livestreamed Zoom readings of Anne Carson’s Bakkhai in early October, featuring performers from across the Villanova community. 

James Ijames, Villanova professor and one of Philadelphia’s brightest theatrical lights, will direct two of the pieces, with the other three led by a talented trio of visiting directors from within the region - Cat Ramirez, Tai Verley, and Malika Oyetimein.

Villanova professor and award-winning filmmaker Hezekiah Lewis will serve the project as Director of Photography, and the creative teams will feature a mix of veteran and emerging professionals, as we foster collaborations between our students and theatrical veterans.