‘Electra’ to take stage next weekend

Want to watch some terrifying and bloody action? Then come watch the haunting new version of the tragic play “Electra,” by Nick Payne, presented by the Washburn theatre department.

“Electra” is a Greek play originally written by Sophocles around 2,500 years ago. It is a story based on Electra and her desire for revenge. When Electra was young, her father was murdered by her mother, which changed her world. Ten years later, bound by grief and the unwillingness to forgive, Electra surrenders to an all-consuming desire for revenge that takes her towards a bloody and terrifying conclusion.

“This play deals with family crisis and has some of the same problems that families have had throughout the history of time,” said Tony Naylor, director and an associate professor of theatre. “It’s about families and their particular beliefs.”

This particular performance will not be a traditional Greek play because it was written with more of a modern language approach, while still keeping the story intact.

“Students should come see the play because it’s a classic play,” said Naylor. “A variety of students are doing this performance and that’s what theatre is all about, bringing people together who want to participate and teaching them something new.”

The performances will be at 7:30 p.m. on April 19, 20, 26 and 27. There will also be an additional performance April 28 at 2 p.m. The performances will be in the Andrew J. and Georgia Neese Gray Theatre. General admission is $8 or free for all students, faculty and staff with their Washburn ID. Tickets will be available at the box office one hour before each performance.

This play is not recommended for persons under 17. For more information call 670.1639.