'Rhinoceros' set to take the stage

Theater arts are expanding at Sisters High School this winter with the stage production of Eugene Ionesco's "Rhinoceros."

This three-act comedy is being directed by Gary Bowne, instructor of theater arts, in partnership with Susanna Harrison, French language instructor at the high school. Bowne and Harrison have integrated the drama, language, history, stagecraft, culture and sociology of this existential play to create a more expansive experience for their students.

The goal of this project is for students to more fully appreciate how certain universal themes in languages, social sciences and art interact to enhance the educational experience.

The play is renowned in the style of drama known as Theatre of the Absurd. Absurdist plays reflect a certain attitude toward the predicament of man in the universe, an existence out of harmony with its environment. (absurd literally means out of harmony).

Over the course of three acts, the inhabitants of a small, provincial French town turn into rhinoceroses; ultimately the only human who does not succumb to this mass metamorphosis is the protagonist, Bérenger, a flustered anti-hero, who is often criticized throughout the play for his drinking and slovenly behavior.

The play, written in 1959, is often recognized as an allegorical response to the rise of fascism during the 1930s and '40s, and explores the themes of conformity, culture, philosophy and morality.

The cast is led by senior Dallas Frederick as Bérenger, and sophomores Adam Cash as Jean, Katie Dumolt as Daisy and Brett Pray as Dudard. The talented supporting cast includes Bryant Lasken, Trevor Condel, Jared Early, Brittney Wilhelm, John Reoch, Jennifer Littler and Kyle Chambers. Loren Dow is student technical director, with Tyler Olgilvie running lights and sound. Stephen Houck is student assistant director.

Students from the French classes, with others from the theatre production program, are working on all technical aspects including set, costumes, props, mask-making and giant rhino heads.

Susanna Harrison is choreographing dance numbers for the rhinoceros herd, and Jody Henderson's jazz ensemble will provide music for the opening act.

"Rhinoceros" runs February 24-26, 7 p.m.; Saturday February 27, 1 p.m. at the Sisters High School Drama Room. Tickets are available at the door, $7 adults; $4 students with valid ID.