News

"Waiting for Godot" by Samuel Beckett

WILSON, N.C. - On Thursday, Nov. 12, the new Lauren Kennedy and Alan Campbell Theatre at Barton College will open its doors for the theatre's inaugural student production, "Waiting for Godot" by Samuel Beckett.  Evening performances will be held Thursday through Saturday, Nov. 12-14, at 8 p.m. and on Sunday afternoon, Nov. 15, at 3 p.m.

"Samuel Beckett's complex and magnificent 'Waiting for Godot' is a challenging work that has been called "the greatest play of the 20th century," and is by all accounts a modern classic," shared Adam Twiss, director of Theatre of Barton.

Twiss explained that Beckett lived, worked, and wrote in France and Ireland during both world wars and he wrote "Godot" shortly after World War II.  Twiss noted that the play reflects a level of discomfort with the development of atomic warfare and the newfound ease with which man can annihilate himself.  "This play is often described as "existentialist" or "absurdist," but the playwright never desired a label, preferring to have the material speak for itself," added Twiss.

The audience is introduced to two characters who pass the time waiting on the side of a road for someone named "Godot."  As they wait, other characters enter their lives offering bits of pseudo-enlightenment, pseudo-information, or most importantly "diversions" from their routine.

"Over the years, the play has engendered limitless scholarly debate aimed at exposing a hidden meaning," continued Twiss.  "Overt political, biblical, and Freudian undertones are readily apparent; however, "Waiting for Godot" is more a comment on man himself than on those elements that comprise him."

The play has been adapted to film several times and was most recently revived on Broadway this past spring with award-winning actors Nathan Lane, Bill Irwin, and John Goodman.

"This is a wonderful play to work on in our new black box theatre, where we can modify the configuration to fit our take on the production; the work is very challenging for actors and audience alike, but we are incredibly proud to present it to you," Twiss said.

The "Waiting for Godot" company, directed by Twiss, includes student and local talent: Wesley Pridgen, Chris Wallen, Jess Jones, Fletcher Duke, and Jorge Santos.  Chris Bernier, technical director of theatre, will oversee the lighting and scenic design.  Costume design is by Dr. Sharon Montano, and sound design is by Matt Smith. Whitley Stanley is the stage manager, and Jensen Davis is the assistant stage manager.  Poster art for the production was created by the graphic design class under the direction of Susan Fecho.

Purchase individual show tickets online at www.barton.edu/theatre, or call the box office toll-free at (866) 811- 4111. The hours of operation are 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. E.S.T. Monday - Friday and 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Please note that NO service fees are charged for either online or phone ticket purchases.

General admission is $8 for adults and $5 for students.  Barton College students, faculty and staff are admitted free with proper ID. Group rates are also available for parties of six or more; contact Adam Twiss at ajtwiss@barton.edu or 252-399-6484 to make arrangements.

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Questions?  Please contact Kathy Daughety, director of public relations, at 252-399-6529 or email: kdaughety@barton.edu.

Lauren Kennedy and Alan Campbell Theatre.

WILSON, N.C. - Think Theatre! Think Barton!  On Saturday, September 12, the curtain will rise on the new Lauren Kennedy and Alan Campbell Theatre (http://www.barton.edu/theatre) at Barton College in Wilson. A Black-Tie Gala, celebrating the grand opening of the theatre, culminates in a world premiere production of "Drift," a new musical by New York composer Jeremy Schonfeld, directed by Lauren Kennedy, and co-produced by Raleigh's "Hot Summer Nights at the Kennedy."

The Black Tie Gala will honor theatre donors who have contributed $2,500+ toward the construction of the Lauren Kennedy and Alan Campbell Theatre. On Sunday afternoon, Sept. 13, a Wine and Cheese Reception, with a second presentation of "Drift," is planned for additional theatre donors and invited guests. The weekend festivities will showcase this distinctive new theatre prior to its public opening on September 16.

"The Grand Opening Weekend for the Lauren Kennedy and Alan Campbell Theatre will provide an opportune occasion to express our gratitude for the vision and financial commitment of the Kennedy family and all donors who have supported the building of this new 'black box' teaching theatre on the Barton campus," shared Dr. Norval C. Kneten, president of Barton College. "This new theatre will complement the performance assets of the region and will provide new dimensions for the community to experience theatre and other performance art."

Jeremy Schonfeld's "Drift"

Schonfeld's "Drift," presented by Theatre at Barton and Hot Summer Nights at the Kennedy will begin its public run for the Greater Wilson community at the Lauren Kennedy and Alan Campbell Theatre on Wednesday, Sept. 16 and will continue through Sunday, Sept. 20. The show will move to The Kennedy Theatre at the Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts in Raleigh and will run from September 23-27. All tickets for "Drift" are available at http://www.hotsummernightsatthekennedy.org.

Campaign and Construction

"The need for a home for theatre at Barton has long been recognized," said Dr. Norval C. Kneten, president of Barton College. Fundraising for the new theatre began prior to 2003, and an extensive study confirmed that a teaching theatre in the form of the classic 'black box' would best serve those needs. The project's leading donor, Dr. K.D. Kennedy, Jr., a former member and past chair of the Barton College Board of Trustees, created an incredible surge of support for the much needed theatre. The Kennedy family contributed in excess of $1 million, and total fundraising for the project has exceeded $3.1 million to date.

When the project was publicly announced, Dr. Kennedy cited a number of reasons that prompted his support of this project, not the least of which was the value of philanthropy his father instilled in him at an early age. He shared that his dad, the late K.D. Kennedy, a trustee emeritus of Barton College, taught his son the importance of giving to programs and projects that enriched the lives of young people. Theatre has always been a passion for Dr. Kennedy, his wife, Sara Lynn, and their family; this project just seemed to be a natural fit.

The Theatre Campaign Steering Committee, led by Barton trustee Eric Sellers, announced in early October 2007 the extraordinary success in the silent phase of the "Think Theatre! Think Barton!" campaign as the College began its transition into the public phase of fundraising. The theatre's groundbreaking was held in April 2008 and construction began by early summer. The theatre was completed just in time for the opening of Barton College's 2009 fall semester.

The Black Box Theatre and Its Impact

The dream of a state-of-the-art black box theatre at Barton College is now a reality. The theatre is named in honor of Broadway stars Lauren Kennedy and Alan Campbell of New York, veteran actors who have committed their time and energy to support the theatre's educational program. Both Kennedy and Campbell plan to visit the Barton campus annually to teach master classes, conduct seminars, and coach theatre majors. "These dedicated artists have been recognized with numerous awards and nominated for the Tony Award, live-theatre's highest honor. Now, Lauren and Alan pledge their support to Barton's theatre. Their direct ties to the world of professional theatre are an incredible asset to our students and will undoubtedly set our program apart," said Adam Twiss, director of the theatre program at Barton College.

As a teaching facility, the versatility of the Lauren Kennedy and Alan Campbell Theatre is a tremendous recruitment tool, attracting serious theatre students to pursue their educational goals at Barton College. Non-theatre majors at Barton are also encouraged to experience the excitement of the stage and will benefit from working in a flexible, black box theatre.

The theatre consists of several spaces including a spacious atrium that can serve as a reception area and gallery for college and community events, a fully-equipped scene shop for building props and scenery, offices for theatre program personnel, dressing rooms, costume storage, and of course, the performance space.

"Along with staged productions, the performance space will be where hands-on theatre training is conducted," added Twiss. "This particular style of performance space is referred to as 'a black box' or 'flexible-space.'  It consists of four bare walls, a flat, open floor plan, and a utilitarian grid above the entire space. The beauty of this type of space for a training program is that it can be configured in any fashion; the theatre produced here will be limited only by our imaginations.  And, Barton's students can have the experience of working in all the types of theatres they will face professionally."

"What Barton will be able to offer with the Lauren Kennedy and Alan Campbell Theatre is truly revolutionary for our theatre program and the students who comprise it," he continued. "I am thrilled to begin the fall semester in this new facility, and I look forward to the years of innovative, collaborative, and creative energy that will flow from the new theatre and will be identifiable element of our comprehensive Barton experience."

"Hot Summer Nights at the Kennedy," headquartered in Raleigh, also plans to bring their acclaimed summer productions to the new Lauren Kennedy and Alan Campbell Theatre. This partnership with the Barton theatre program commences with this inaugural production of "Drift." The show features several Barton students working alongside industry professionals, gaining invaluable experience. And, these professional opportunities for Barton students will provide the essential industry connections required for employment upon graduation.

Visit http://www.barton.edu/calendars and click on the "public events calendar" for the latest listings of Theatre at Barton productions and other events to be held in the new Lauren Kennedy and Alan Campbell Theatre.

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Questions?  Please contact Kathy Daughety, director of public relations at Barton College, at 252-399-6529 or email: kdaughety@barton.edu.

Wire-wrapped vase by Mark Gordon

WILSON, N.C. — The 2009-2010 exhibition season for the Barton Art Galleries begins with Mark Gordon: Recent Works.  The ceramics exhibition will open on Monday, Aug. 24, and will run until Friday, Sept. 18. An opening reception for the exhibition will be held on Sunday, Aug. 30 from 2-4 p.m. This event is open to the public at no charge, and the community is invited to attend.

A professor of ceramics at Barton College, Gordon fills the Virginia Thompson Graves Gallery with many of his iconic vessels. Forms in the exhibit, placed on individual pedestals and lining the walls, create a monolithic display evoking a quiet reverence as if in a place of worship.

"Clay is a universal medium; potters' vessels have formed an essential part of material culture, shared Gordon. "Often, in the vessels, Greek or Chinese forms seem to be echoed in my clay shapes." Works presented range from more traditional smooth-surfaced vessels to composite, coagulate encrusted versions. In these latter pieces, the surfaces retain a comfortable tension somewhere between chaos and structure. Their forms resemble things one might find in nature, but on the molecular level.

Gordon's inspiration is often derived from an eclectic mix of nature and plant growth, animal skeletons, machinery, scrap yards and through travel. He sees his artwork as a melding of idea and action, of inspiration and impulse. "I approach claywork as the creation, pulling form out of inchoate matter, as an ongoing experiment in seeking new direction through variation," Gordon said. "The physicality of clay, along with its remarkable ability to freeze action and respond to physical impact or retain any fleeting impression, immediately and permanently captured my interest."

From 1980 to 1983, Gordon taught at Altos de Chavón in La Romana, Dominican Republic, creating a vocational workshop for local youth. He later traveled throughout the Mediterranean observing and documenting traditional pottery and brickmaking.  "Knowing these traditional clay artisans has contributed to my education," Gordon added. "I continue to make ceramic vessels to celebrate and maintain a connection to traditional potters worldwide."

In contrast to the vessels, Gordon's installations in the Lula E. Rackley Gallery refer to architecture and industrialization. For Gordon, these works represent fragments, combined geometries, and biomorphic musings. "Geometry, being a form of math, has always served as a universal language for sculpture," shared Gerard Lange, director of exhibitions at Barton. "Gordon's use of these pure forms has placed the work in a global context, where many interpretations can be drawn by evaluating the sculptures from different cultural points of view. Influence of his time spent abroad is clearly evident in Gordon's complex manipulation and integration of these otherwise simple forms."

Gordon has presented over 100 lectures and workshops in 19 states and seven foreign countries. He has been recognized with numerous awards and grants and has held numerous art residencies across the nation as well as in Caracas, Venezuela; Cairo, Egypt; Madrid, Spain; Jerusalem, Israel; and La Romana, Dominican Republic.  In 1991, Gordon was a Fulbright Lecturer at the Facultad de Artes, Universidad Nacional in Obera, Argentina.

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Questions?  Please contact Kathy Daughety, director of public relations at Barton College, at 252-399-6529 or email: kdaughety@barton.edu.

WILSON, N.C. - "Oculus," the 2009 Barton College Senior Art Exhibition,  opens on Saturday evening, April 4, with a reception from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. in the Barton Art Galleries. This event is open to the public at no charge, and the community is invited to attend.  The exhibition will run until Friday, May 8.

Art works by seniors Sarah Stoia St. Martin and Cameron Basil Gooch will be on view in the Virginia Thompson Graves Gallery. Gallery talks by the artists will be held during the reception with St. Martin and Gooch, at 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. respectively.

St. Martin is the daughter of Navy Chaplain Commander Peter St. Martin and Judy St. Martin, stationed at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. She plans to graduate in May with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Studio Art with a concentration in Graphic Design.

Ceramics by Sarah St. Martin

She has combined her love of photography with her creativity in graphic design to develop several unique pieces for the senior show.  Influenced by a period of residency in Japan, St. Martin has incorporated Eastern aspects throughout her works in the exhibit, including an Asian-inspired dressing screen that depicts a self-portrait as well as friends' portraits.  Another intriguing piece is a miniature book of poetry she has created to showcase various forms of typography.

St. Martin also has created a proto-type application of a letterform design project that included research in merchandising and product display.  "The letterforms have been hand painted on china as a successful proto-type for china that one might see in a store like Pier 1 or The Pottery Barn," shared J. Chris Wilson, professor of art and senior advisor.  "The design is intended to appeal to a young audience and plays with the number '8′ as a major design motif on the dinning china, making a pun of 'ate' as an implied design motif."  In addition, St. Martin has designed banners with related letterform designs that would function as merchandising elements in the commercial arena for the line and could also function as table runners for a comprehensive design statement in the home.

St. Martin eventually hopes to earn a teaching certificate, but looks forward to working in the field of art and design upon graduation.

Cameron Basil Gooch is the son of Deborah and Basil Gooch of Elon.  He also is scheduled to graduate in May with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Studio Art with a concentration in Graphic Design and Photography.  His works in the exhibition will feature designs for recreational equipment including skateboards, snowboards, snow skis, and a skim board that are intended to appeal to a young, grunge-style consumer. Gooch's clothing designs also showcase his comprehensive approach to a product design campaign.  His inspiration, fueled by travels to New York City and other metropolitan areas, provides a strong urban theme for his art.

Designs by Cameron Gooch

"Cameron's work has greatly matured, and his urban theme with a young target audience is focused and successful from both a design perspective and an understanding of the need in today's economy to seek a market niche," said Wilson.  "The work is exciting and dynamic and should successfully hit its intended mark."  Photographs and design letter projects by Gooch are also included in the exhibition.

Following graduation, Gooch anticipates a career in commercial design and looks forward to developing his own signature product line.

For additional information about the exhibition, please contact the Barton Art Galleries at 252-39-6477 or J. Chris Wilson at 252-399-6476.  The Barton Art Galleries are located in Case Art Building on the Barton College campus. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday.

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Questions? Please contact Kathy Daughety, director of public relations, at 252-399-6529 or email: kdaughety@barton.edu.

WILSON, N.C. - The hauntingly beautiful musical, "Violet," based upon "The Ugliest Pilgrim," short story by N.C. native Doris Betts, with music by Jeanine Tesori and libretto by Brian Crawley, will open on the Barton stage Thursday, March 12, at 8 p.m. in Howard Chapel.

"We join Violet, a young woman from the mountains of North Carolina, on her journey of self-discovery and personal redemption," shared Adam Twiss, assistant professor of theatre and director of Theatre at Barton.  "The people she meets, from the soldiers on their way to Vietnam, to the television evangelist she seeks out to heal her of a disfiguring scar, weave a colorful and vital tapestry of life, fulfilled destiny, progress and, ultimately, peace."

The production, which runs through March 15 in Howard Chapel, has evening shows Thursday - Saturday at 8 p.m. and a matinee at 3 p.m. on Sunday. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. respectively. Tickets will be sold at the door: adult admission is $8 and student admission is $5.  To reserve tickets in advance, please call Carol Sabella at 252-399-6483.

The "Violet" company, directed by Twiss, includes native N.C. actors Melvin Tunstall III and Nina Gunnel, courtesy of K.D. Kennedy and family.  And, Raleigh lighting and scenic designer Chris Bernier returns for Barton's spring production. Local and student talent include: Jonathan Butler, Joe Jones, Jane Kolunie, Rodney Lippard, Jeremy Lowe, Wesley Pridgen, Krysti Reuter, Rose Stenbuck, and Hollie Woodruff.  The choir includes Joe Amara, Janeka Battle, Matt Bissette, Rhea Booth, Miranda Carter, Charlie Healy, TJ Hinnant, Bethany Horner, Emily Jamieson, Natalie Mattox, Sam Pounds, Krysti Reuter, Chris Rugerro, Nathanael Shelton, Jennifer Stancil, Whitley Stanley, and Lisa Ward. Musicians are Ted Brna, bass; and Daniel Peterson, keyboard; Chris Ruggero, guitar; and Brindin Taylor, percussion.

The musical director is Mark Peterson and the choreographer is Trish Bradshaw. Stage manager for the production is Christopher Wallen, accompanied by assistant stage manager Alisha Rhinesmith.  Assistant director is Whitley Stanley, sound is by Phil Valera, sound and lighting technicians are Matt Smith and James Duncan, and costumes are by Tammie Knoll.

"I am especially proud of the many individuals who have contributed to this production, including students, faculty, and visiting artists from varying disciplines," added Twiss.  "They love the story, they love the music but, in many ways, they simply want to be part of a very special event. As we move closer to completion of the Lauren Kennedy and Alan Campbell Theatre, we find ourselves in the position of bidding a fond farewell to Howard Chapel, the borrowed home of Barton Theatre for several generations.

"I cannot think of a more poignant, joyful and fitting show to present as our final mainstage Chapel production," Twiss concluded.  "I hope you will join us to say goodbye… and we can all look forward to the grand opening of our new theatre in September!"

For additional information about the Barton theatre program, please contact Adam Twiss at 252-399-6484 or email: ajtwiss@barton.edu.

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Questions?  Please contact Kathy Daughety, director of public relations, at 252-399-6529 or email: kdaughety@barton.edu.