Spring Theatre Production

By Nathana Faddis

A timeless, classic play centering around a man’s greed and carelessness with his soul will be performed this spring by the YorkCollege drama department.  Doctor Faustus is a dramatic play by Christopher Marlowe, one of William Shakespeare’s contemporaries.

The play is a tragedy, but it also has some comic relief sprinkled throughout. This past month the drama department has been working diligently to bring it to life.

When asked why he chose this play, the play’s director, John Baker III, explained, "We often study it in my drama survey class and when I think about what plays we can do here at York, this one seemed to fit." 

Both John Baker and his talented cast are excited to put on this play for many reasons.  YC senior drama student, Nick Floyd, who plays the main character, Faustus, and has been at involved in York College productions for 5 years and 14 plays, says, "It is my last play on York College Campus and I am looking forward to ending a long acting career on a very big role and important part."

 The adaptation of Doctor Faustus being performed was done by Nicholas Rudall who designed it for contemporary production and study.  Even though the play dates from the early 1600s, it still speaks clearly to modern audiences about the danger of taking one’s soul lightly, because taking such a step could lead to the loss of one’s soul. 

Baker believes that not only is the message important but that the play represents "a great piece of English literature and a rare opportunity to see a performance of a work by one of Shakespeare’s often over-shadowed contemporaries." 

The performances will be February 28th through March 2nd at 7:30 on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and at 2:00 on Sunday in Gurganus Hall. It will cost six dollars for adults, four dollars for seniors and students and is free for YorkCollege students, faculty and staff.