By Hannah Deane ’20
Staff Reporter
Gordon College’s theatre community breathes theatre. Or, should it be said that it bleeds theatre?
Beginning on October 27, the company is scheduled to present their upcoming play “Blood and Gifts” written by J.T. Rogers and directed by Theatre Arts Professor Jeff Miller.
Set over a 10-year span between 1981 and 1991, “Blood and Gifts” tells the story of CIA Operative Jim Warnock, a secret spy who tries to stop the war efforts as the Soviet Army fights their way through Afghanistan.
The play first debuted in 2010, and was labeled by Time Out New York as “a hard-hitting, high-tension story of power, loyalty and the moral cost of geopolitical gamesmanship…A gripping, sensational spy tale.”
The cast of the dark comedy include Seniors Carl Kraines, Bradley Boutcher, Jonathan Wacker, Abigail Erdelatz, and Rebecca Minasian, Junior Ryan Cannister, and Sophomore Rachel Burgett.
Ensemble members include Freshmen Olyvia Shaw, Sage Higgins, and Brittany Cardoza, Juniors Sarah Garcia and Nick Blondell, and Seniors Audrey Wilcox and Merisa Kouvo.
Theatre Major Ryan Cannister ’19 plays the character of Saeed in the production. Cannister said, “This show is incredibly relevant and asks important questions about trust, relationships, and power – personal and political.”
“‘Blood and Gifts’ is very much an ensemble show. It has been such an enjoyable and educational process working with director Jeff Miller and the rest of the cast and crew on the production,” he added of the group dynamic within the cast and crew.
“People should see this to understand the US’ involvement in Afghanistan better, as well as realize the implications of our actions on foreign soil. Rehearsals have been a fun yet intense time period, and we can’t wait to share this production with everyone” said Nick Blondell ’19.
Performances are scheduled to take place on October 27-28, October 31 and November 1-4 at 7:30pm, in addition to Saturday matinées on October 28 and November 4 at 4pm.
Tickets are $15 for general admission and $10 for Gordon students. They are available online and will also be sold at the Gordon College Box office in the Barrington Center for the Arts.
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