SCC's Metamorphoses Takes Audience on an Intimate Journey into the Timeless World of Classic Mythology

~ Scottsdale Community College Theatre Arts' production of Metamorphoses takes ancient stories of the gods and brings them to life-- with the audience onstage to experience the journey ~

Scottsdale, AZ (March 17, 2008) -- "Bodies, I have in mind, and how they can change to assume new shapes -- I ask the help of the gods, who know the trick:  change me, and let me glimpse the secret..." (Ovid). 

The Roman poet, Ovid, opens his epic narrative poem, Metamorphoses -- about the transformation of mythological Greek gods and the creation of the world, with this profound line.  Called by Time magazine as the "theater event of 2002," Mary Zimmerman's Tony-award winning stage play, Metamorphoses, brings ten of Ovid's tales to stunning visual life.  Set in and around a 4000-gallon pool of water onstage, Metamorphoses subtly mixes the ancient stories of pathos and tragedy with contemporary language, humor, and thought.

Performed April 2 -- 6, 2008 at Scottsdale Community College, audience members will have the unique opportunity to sit onstage surrounding the pool in an intimate setting while the actors bring the stories of the gods to life.  Seating is limited - only 110 seats will be available for each performance of Metamorphoses. 

The pool -- where all the scenes are centered, serves as a metaphor for the heart of transformation -- a key theme in the play.  Zeus, Midas, Aphrodite, Poseidon, Hades, Apollo, Morpheus, Eros and others share their intimate stories of change through struggle.  Collectively their stories reflect change through the cycle of life -- youth through old age.  By watching the characters take their journeys, audience members may reflect on their own personal journeys and struggles.

SCC's Metamorphoses blends classic themes and stories with contemporary and unique twists.  Sound, lighting, and directorial design will incorporate the performing arts center into each scene so that the audience becomes part of the story rather than mere observers.  SCC's use of video and projection to highlight each scene will serve as unique commentary on the stories that are unfolding.  Live classical instruments such as the harpsichord will be used and transformed to produce original sound in contemporary rhythms.

Contemporary ideas in the play show that ancient stories of morals and values that seem far removed actually remain universal and timeless.  For instance, Midas, a god known for his love of wealth, is a high-powered Beverly Hills music producer in SCC's Metamorphoses, complete with 'bling', imitating the timeless aspect of greed.  In keeping with contemporary thought, the play includes great moments of tongue-in-cheek Mad TV-sensibility humor mixed with the more profound moments in the play. 

Metamorphoses has never been performed by a Community College in Arizona before.  The density of the text usually requires that graduate and professional-level actors attempt this play. 

"One of several considerations before selecting this play for production was whether I had the actors to do it justice," said Randy Messersmith, SCC's Theatre Arts Director.  "The cast includes alumni Natalie Dolph and Pat McGinley -- two actors who bring a level of maturity and professionalism to the ensemble, as well as Scottsdale Conservatory Theatre graduates and some new faces. Metamorphoses raises the bar of what is expected of an actor, and this powerhouse cast is rising to the challenge."