Director's Note for "Dr. Faustus"

In embarking on this production of "Dr. Faustus," I sought to navigate a path that bridges the timeless with the contemporary, inviting both our performers and audience into a collaborative reimagining of this classic tale. At its core, my vision has been to transform Marlowe's Elizabethan masterpiece into a mirror for our modern existence, exploring the universal themes of ambition, choice, and the relentless pursuit of validation.

"Dr. Faustus" is a story that resonates across centuries, touching on the eternal human struggle between the divine and the earthly, between the noble and the nefarious. It poses a question as relevant today as it was over 400 years ago: What do we forfeit in our relentless pursuit of validation? Through a blend of Elizabethan grandeur and modern-day introspection, our production invites the audience to reflect on the sacrifices made at the altar of ambition and the allure of forbidden knowledge.

Our staging is a tri-layered narrative that seamlessly transitions between the worlds of the classic Faustian bargain, a modern college rehearsal space, and the introspective real world, each represented with simplicity and symbolic depth. The Penrose triangle, an emblem of the impossible, serves as our anchor, symbolizing the intertwined layers of our story and the illusory pursuit at its heart.

Faced with the challenge of integrating a diverse cast with varying levels of familiarity with the Viewpoints process, we embraced a "yes, and" philosophy, fostering an environment of trust and innovation. This approach allowed us to create a script that speaks to the technical and emotional complexity of our ambitious vision, engaging both our performers and the technical team in a collaborative creative process.

In this production, character interpretations are deliberately distinct, weaving original characters with those from Marlowe's script. By splitting Mephistopheles into dual embodiments of temptation and employing a nuanced portrayal of relationships, we delve deeper into the intricacies of human desires and the consequences of our choices.

Ultimately, my hope is that our rendition of "Dr. Faustus" serves as a cautionary reflection, urging the audience to contemplate the true cost of our pursuits. Inspired by my own journey and moments of introspection, this production is a personal testament to the transformative power of grace and the importance of choosing our paths wisely. It is a reminder that, in the quest for validation and achievement, we must not lose sight of our humanity and the divine guidance that lights our way.

Thank you for joining us on this journey. May you leave the theater not only entertained but also enriched, questioning, and reflective on the paths you choose in life.