The State Theatre Hosts New Play Reading Series
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STATE COLLEGE, PA - May 11, 2012 - Executive Director Richard Biever is pleased to announce that The State Theatre will host a new play reading series called "Start At The State." The readings will take place in the intimate Upper Studio on the second floor of the theatre and are supervised by local playwright Mary Gage.
First up, on Wednesday, May 16, is a reading of Penn State professor and author Warren Sylvester Smith's one-woman play, Blavatsky. 2012 marks the centenary of Smith's birth (1912-1984).
The life of Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, a 19th-century spiritualist and founder of the Theosophist movement, is shown in six conversations set at various points in her controversial career. The performance is directed by Elaine Meder-Wilgus.
Well-read, well-traveled and a prolific writer, Blavatsky is portrayed as both charismatic and crude, a true believer in the spiritual entities she called "the Masters," but not above using conjurers' tricks to convince her followers and skeptics.
The playwright, Warren Smith, taught in Penn State's Department of Theatre Arts from 1946 to 1967, and was Director of General Education in the Arts from 1967 until his retirement in 1977. He had a particular interest in the plays and other writings of George Bernard Shaw, and wrote or edited several books on Shaw. His 1970 book The London Heretics explored many controversial figures of that era, including Helena Blavatsky and the Theosophists. He wrote Blavatsky in 1982-83.
Blavatsky will be performed in the Upper Studio of The State Theatre at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 16, 2012. Admittance is free, but donations are welcomed. |
Comments
Reminds me of fave book Madame Blavatsky's Baboon
Neat - a play about one of the great feminist pioneers and 'rascal gurus' (arguably more rascal than guru) of that all important time, the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Helena Blavatsky. Wow, she was a character.
Madame Blavatsky's Baboon: A History of the Mystics, Mediums, and Misfits Who Brought Spiritualism to America
There's a book I love and highly recommend, named Madame Blavasky's Baboon, by Peter Washington, a historical study of the occult history of that period - and a great antidote to superstitious thinking.
It's out of print now, which is a shame, but you can still find used copies. A fascinating read. All those folks he looks at still shape our modern superstitions, and they were a big part of shaping our modern world.
Excellent Bio of Blavatsky
One of the best bio of Blavatsky is by Sylvia Cranston - H.P.B. The Extraordinary Life & Influence of Helena Blavatsky Founder of the Modern Theosophical Movement.
Used book can be picked up cheap. Unfortunately, a pdf copy is not available on the net.