'Pericles' is journey of lifetime

by Melissa Lau

Features Editor

Ever wake up out of breath from a dream in which you just traveled to unknown places and odd situations?

Now, imagine your dream was real.

"Pericles", written by William Shakespeare, is the journey of a lifetime. It was written during what is known as Shakespeare's late period.

Pericles, the prince of Tyre, departs for a journey that changes his life.

He encounters the King of Antioch who offers Pericles his daughter's hand in marriage, in return for solving a riddle.

Pericles solves the riddle, but discovers that the king has an incestuous love for his daughter. He makes the choice of refusing to marry her.

He later marries Thaisa, the daughter of King Simonides. She dies at sea during childbirth.

After Thaisa's death, Pericles takes his

daughter, Marina, to some friends to care for her.

Just when the family is separated, the unexpected happens.

The journey will continue when performances begin next Thursday.

Georgij Paro, adjunct professor of theater, is directing the play.

Some actors of the cast of 24 are taking on more than one character, many of them small roles.

"What keeps the production going and what keeps the production structured, are the small roles,"Paro said.

Eric Mulholland, University of La Verne alumnus, plays four characters: Gower, Thaliar, a fisherman and Pander.

Although Mulholland has worked with Paro about six times, he chose to participate because he enjoys working with the director and students.

"It's really refreshing to see so many people thrilled and excited about theater, which reminds me why I got involved in theater in the first place," Mulholland said.

Through this play, actor Beaux Enriquez-Berkey got the chance to play a role he has been waiting for.

"'Pericles' allows me to finally play a villain instead of these wounded clowns I've played in the past. I get to be creepy and spooky: a cross between the late Aaliyah from 'Queen of the Damned', John Malkovich and Gary Oldman," said Enriquez-Berkey.

"I'm having a grip of fun," he said.

Paro also wanted the audience to be part of the play.

He decided to have "Pericles" in the Cabaret because of its intimate atmosphere.

One issue the theater must work out is the interference of the upcoming student directing projects in May. Many actors in"Pericles"are also actors for the directing projects. This means extra rehearsals for actors, which can cause stress that some actors do not want to encounter.

Performances begin at 7:30p.m. next Thursday in the the Cabaret theater. Other shows at 7:30 p.m. will be on April 25, 26 and 27, and May 2, 3 and 4. A matinee show at 2:00 p.m. will be held on April 28. Seating is limited, and reservations are a must. To reserve seats, call the theater box office at extension 4386.