EVANSVILLE, IND. (04/14/2023) After a two-year hiatus, the University of Evansville Theatre Department has announced the return of the Rogue and Peasant Aces, their traveling performance troupe, with ANIMAL FARM, based on the book by George Orwell and adapted by Ian Wooldridge.
Performances are at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, April 15, and Saturday, April 22, on the UE campus, in the John David Lutz Theatre Lab.
George Orwell’s satire on the perils of Stalinism has proved a magnificently long-lived parable about totalitarianism and has given the world at least one immortal phrase: “Some are more equal than others.” This dramatization remains faithful to the book’s plot and intent and retains both its affection for the animals and the insightfulness of its message.
The aim of the Rogue and Peasant Aces is to provide accessible theatre experiences for individuals who otherwise may not have exposure to the arts. This spring, the Rogue and Peasant Aces are touring to various high schools in the area to perform.
ANIMAL FARM is directed by Rebecca Conaway, a senior theatre studies major, from Wellsburg, W. Va.; Liam Arney, a first-year design and technology major, from McAllen, Texas, serves as the costume and properties coordinator; Josie Madzik, a first-year theatre studies major, from Howell, Mich., is the dramaturg; and William Cooper Sanders, a first-year performance major, from Jeffersonville, Ind., is the stage manager.
Each role is shared by two actors, who will alternate between shows. The cast includes Benjamin Bravard, a senior performance major, from Batavia, Ohio, and Drake J. Susuras, a junior performance major, from Broomfield, Colo., sharing the roles of Old Major, Boxer, and Young Animal; Mason Norton, a first-year performance major, from Bremen, Ind., and Devyn Jolgren, a junior performance major, from Louisville, Ky., sharing the role of Squealer; Trace Levens, a first year performance major, from Bryan, Texas, and Jeff Parkinson, a senior performance major, from Mercer Island, Wash., sharing the role of Napoleon; Quinn McGaugh, a first-year performance major, from McAlester, Okla., and Caden Sevier, a junior performance major, from Humble, Texas, sharing the roles of Snowball and Benjamin; Elizabeth Dye, a senior performance major, from Frisco, Texas, and Kennedy Olson, a first-year performance major, from Porter, Texas, sharing the role of Clover; and Beverley Buchanan, a junior performance major, from Tomball, Texas, and Alyssa Meadows, a first-year performance major, from Louisville, Ky., sharing the roles of Moses, Mollie, Minimus, and Pilkington.
UE Theatre’s Rogue and Peasant Aces is a part of the Ashoka U Changemaker Program. This leading global designation is part of a dynamic, global network of leading colleges and universities who set the bar for social innovation and changemaking in higher education.
Tickets for the two on-campus performances are free to the public and seating is general admission. The new John David Lutz Theatre Lab is limited to 87 seats. Tickets may be reserved at theatre.evansville.edu or by calling the ticket office at 812.488.2031, open from noon to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The University of Evansville is a private, comprehensive university located in the southwestern region of Indiana. Established in 1854, UE is recognized across the globe for its rich tradition of innovative, academic excellence and vibrant campus community of changemakers.
Home of the Purple Aces, UE offers over 75 majors, 17 Division I sports, and a unique study abroad experience at Harlaxton College, a Victorian manor located in the countryside of the United Kingdom. For more information, please visit evansville.edu.
