By Miguel Gastelum
Fresno State University Theatre is pleased to announce its 2024-25 Mainstage Season, featuring the annual Contemporary Dance Ensemble Concert and five Fresno premieres. This season will see the final production from longtime faculty member Brad Myers and the debut of new faculty member Michelle Bellaver.
Sept. 27-Oct. 5: “Dracula: A Feminist Revenge Fantasy, Really” by Kate Hamill and directed by J. Daniel Herring. Both terrifying and riotous, Kate Hamill’s “Dracula” confronts the sexism in Bram Stoker’s original work and subjugates it as a smart and disquieting feminist revenge fantasy. Kate’s signature style and postmodern wit upends this familiar tale of Victorian vampires and drives a stake through the heart of toxic masculinity. A Fresno Premiere!
Nov. 1-9: “Chicken & Biscuits” by Douglas Lyons and directed by Thomas-Whit Ellis. Can rivaling sisters Baneatta and Beverly bury their father without killing each other? This proves difficult when Beverly shows up at the chapel with her “blessings” on display. Meanwhile, Baneatta’s son brings his neurotic Jewish boyfriend along, knowing Baneatta disapproves, and Beverly’s nosy daughter keeps asking questions no one wants to answer. Baneatta’s pastor husband tries to mediate the family drama, but when a shocking family secret reveals itself at the pulpit, the two sisters are faced with a truth that could either heal or break them. A Fresno Premiere!
Dec. 6-14: “Red Velvet” by Lolita Chakrabart and directed by Brad Myers. Theatre Royal, Covent Garden, 1833. Edmund Kean, the greatest actor of his generation, collapsed on stage whilst playing Othello. A young black American actor has been asked to take over the role. But as the public riot in the streets over the abolition of slavery, how will the cast, critics and audience react to the revolution taking place in the theatre? A Fresno Premiere!
Feb. 14-22: “Contemporary Dance Ensemble” by artistic director Kenneth Balint. This annual contemporary dance concert highlights contemporary classics, creative innovation, and collaborations between students and faculty.
March 28-April 5: “Antigonick” by Sophokles, adapted by Anne Carson and directed by Michelle Bellaver. The conflict between justice and law rises to poetic heights in Anne Carson’s innovative translation of Sophokles’ classic tale of civil disobedience. Antigone, daughter of Oedipus, mourns her beloved brother Polyneikes, considered an enemy of the state; Antigone’s uncle, King Kreon, refuses to allow his burial, considering him an insurgent and traitor. In an act of defiance and courage, Antigone breaks the law and sets the city of Thebes and its inhabitants towards an irreversible fate. A Fresno Premiere!
May 2–10: “The Sins of Sor Juana” by Karen Zacarías and directed by Gina Sandí-Díaz. Legendary Mexican poet Juana Inés de la Cruz writes expressive, sensual verse at the Viceroy’s court in the 1600s, a time when it was unfashionable and sinful for women to exercise their intellect. The Viceroy is jealous of Juana’s influence on his beautiful wife, the Vicereine, who has arranged a profitable marriage to ensure that Juana will always have a place in court. Believing his own marriage is threatened by Juana’s engagement, the Viceroy hires a charming, educated rogue to seduce Juana and destroy her reputation. When Juana refuses to compromise her poetry for what the church ordains appropriate, she stands to lose everything she loves.
University Theatre Mainstage tickets are not yet available for purchase, please visit cah.fresnostate.edu/theatrearts to stay updated on when ticket sales go live.
The College of Arts and Humanities at Fresno State 