The Serpent
by Jean-Claude van Itallie
Synopsis
Jean-Claude van Itallie’s ceremonial play, developed in the late 1960s with the visionary Open Theatre, juxtaposes scenes from the Bible’s Book of Genesis with various modern experiences. Images of the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve taking a bite from the forbidden fruit might occur alongside modern experiences, like Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I have a dream” speech.
The Serpent is an exploration of the origins and making of the myths and communal rituals humans have always used in their attempts to make sense of events, struggles, and catastrophes from ancient to contemporary times.
Award-winning director Ron Sossi and a multi-talented ensemble have created a collage of iconic, archetypal personas making up the spectacle of history, from creation to the present day. The entire experience is an exuberant, energetic, living sculpture-in-time.
“FASCINATING TO BEHOLD… Brilliantly directed by Ron Sossi, this superb ensemble is everything an audience could wish for. This is a don’t-miss show, so don’t miss it!”
“ICONIC… Sossi’s young cast impressively approaches the same energy that the original cast exhibited… Celebrate fifty years of dedication to ‘important’ theatre at The Odyssey Theatre Ensemble… Well done!”
“The ensemble cast of 13 proves to be a nimble, exuberant, energetic group of multi-talented actors who clearly “get” the message which THE SERPENT was meant to deliver”
Credits / Cast / Crew
Production
Written by Jean-Claude van Itallie
Directed by Ron Sossi
Produced by Ron Sossi in association with Isabel and Harvey Kibel
Costume Designers Denise Blasor & Josh La Cour
Lighting Designer Chu-Hsuan Chang
Sound Designer Christoper Moscatiello
Video Designer Diana Cignoni
Choreographer Kate Coleman
Set Consultant Stephanie Kerley Schwartz
Assistant Directors Simone Tetrault & Kayla Erikson
Stage Manager Beth Mack
