Live theatre performances return to Colorado Springs
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- They were the first to go and one of the last to return, but the time has finally come: live theatre performances are back in Colorado Springs.
"To simply put on a show today is just a celebration of our opportunity to do that," says Theatreworks Colorado Springs director, Max Shulman. "To be together in a place, to connect to another person...”
And it's coming back with the tale of, "An Iliad," written by Lisa Peterson and Denis O’Hare. It is performed by the University of Colorado Colorado Springs professional actors group, Theatreworks Colorado Springs.
"An Iliad," based from Homer's epic Greek poem, is about the battles and events of the Trojan War. Theatreworks Colorado Springs called the performance, a timely one.
“It’s a story of both the pain and loss that we suffer through life, especially through war, but also the triumphant human spirit as we find ways to heal," says Max.
"That’s something the play really touches on specifically, the sense of community, of coming together," says Erik Sandvold, the lead actor in "An Iliad."
"I think that’s what’s going to make this production at this time so powerful.”
"An Iliad" will be performed on a stage set up outside the Ent Center for the Arts on the UCCS campus to allow for socially distancing. Pikes Peak sets the scene as the play's backdrop -- Max and Erik describing it as the "Mount Olympus" in this greek screenplay.
Theatreworks Colorado Springs describes their last year as one with highs and lows, but says bringing theatre back to the Colorado Springs is worth sorting out the logistics of how to do so.
"We’ll socially distance the audience, how far the actor has to be from the audience so he doesn’t have to wear a mask…” Max explains.
These actors, on a mission to bring the fine arts back for the well-being of the community.
“I think it’s really valuable to see how humanity and our ability to persevere through the arts has sustained us," Erik says.
Max echoes Erik's thoughts.
"I think simply coming together to do it is a celebration of the fact that we’ve made it through this thing.”
"An Iliad" opens Friday evening. For more information on the show and tickets, along with other events at the Ent Center for the Arts happening this weekend, click here.
