SUNY Potsdam arts faculty will present Igor Stravinsky’s “L’Histoire du Soldat (The Soldier’s Tale),” a unique blend of music, theatre and dance, in a special performance on Thursday, Oct. 11 at 7:30 p.m. in the Proscenium Theater, located in the College’s Performing Arts Center.
In this centenary celebration, The Crane School of Music and SUNY Potsdam’s Department of Theatre and Dance will collaborate in bringing a parable of “deals with the Devil” to life. A one-time event, the performance will honor the centennial anniversary of the work’s composition in 1918, at the close of World War I.
“Literature is rife with stories of those who seek the easy path or shortcut, only to end up far worse off than where they began. What personal cost – moral, spiritual, physical, emotional – is any individual willing to pay to obtain their heart’s desire? To whom is this debt ultimately paid? The tale of Faust gives us a literary Devil, so does Stravinsky. But history has shown humanity time and again that there are far worse metaphorical ‘devils’ to whom terrible prices are paid, when the sole object is obtaining a personal or collective desire above all other considerations,” said Crane Professor Brian K. Doyle, who will conduct the performance.
This event is free, and the public is invited to attend. No tickets are required, and seating will be by general admission.
The musical performers will include Crane School of Music faculty Liesl Schoenberger Doty (violin), Julianne Kirk Doyle (clarinet), Carol Lowe (bassoon), John Ellis (trumpet), Mark Hartman (trombone), John Geggie (double bass) and Timothy Sullivan (percussion).
Lonel Woods, an associate professor of voice at Crane, will play the role of the soldier, alongside Potsdam community member Elaine Kuracina, who will portray the Devil.
Assistant Professor of Dance Cynthia DuFault will present three original choreographed works during the show, including portraying the non-speaking role of the princess. Associate Professor of Theatre Kimberly Bouchard will narrate the performance.
About SUNY Potsdam’s Department of Theatre and Dance:
From directing, choreographing, acting and dancing, to designing and technical work, theatre and dance are highly collaborative art forms at SUNY Potsdam. Students and professionals engage in creative problem solving, requiring the setting and meeting of long-term goals, and the analysis and understanding of movement and dramatic literature. For more information about SUNY Potsdam’s Department of Theatre and Dance, visit www.potsdam.edu/theatre.
About The Crane School of Music:
Founded in 1886, SUNY Potsdam’s Crane School of Music has a long legacy of excellence in music education and performance. Life at Crane includes an incredible array of more than 300 recitals, lectures and concerts presented by faculty, students and guests each year. The Crane School of Music is the State University of New York’s only All-Steinway institution. For more information, please visit www.potsdam.edu/crane.
Arts & Culture