Middle East conflict examined in context of biblical theme

 

Published by the Communications and Development Department

 

7 November 2002

 

A production using the biblical story of Samson from the book of Judges as a means to understanding current events in the Middle East is the latest offering from The Free Theatre, to be staged in the basement of the Old Library in the Christchurch Arts Centre (South Quad entrance).

 

Samson Airline, devised and directed by Peter Falkenberg, a senior lecturer in Theatre and Film Studies at the University of Canterbury, is set entirely on an aeroplane, with a crew of four: a Pilot, played by Ryan Reynolds; Co-Pilot, played by George Parker; and two stewardesses, played by Kate Hamilton and Marian McCurdy. The aeroplane is designed by Theatre and Film Studies Technical Director Richard Till.

 

Audience members sit in the simulated aircraft and, as if on a real aeroplane, food and drinks are served, hot towels provided, and duty-free goods are on sale. Reynolds says that it is during these standard in-flight activities that the actors “tell” the story of Samson as entertainment.

 

Texts for the in-flight entertainment are by God, the Prophet Mohammed, George W. Bush, Steve Earle, and Mohammed Atta, among others.

 

The show is on nightly from 12-16 November. “Boarding” takes place at 9.11pm and tickets are $9/11. For information and bookings, call 365-3159.