When a goddess descends to Earth to learn about the plight of humanity, her dream-like journey raises the question of whether our existence has any meaning.
A Dream Play, an adaptation of August Strindberg's drama by Caryl Churchill, is onstage at Douglas College from March 14 to 21.
It's being presented by theatre students, along with those in the department of stagecraft and event technology.
It follows the story of Agnes, a daughter of the Vedic god Indra, who assumes human form to visit Earth, where she encounters a group of people whose lives are filled with hardship and disappointment.
"At its essence, this play takes a deep look at what it is to be human," said director Deborah Neville in a press release. "It's about the search for meaning in a world filled with a great deal of suffering and conflict. I think that universal theme is why Strindberg's work has endured for over a century."
The cast includes F.J. van Wyk as Agnes and Lucas Bayley as Officer. Playing multiple roles each are New Westminster actors Faedra Mirhashemy and Cole Girard, along with Jacob Brkopac, Nicole Cochrane, Kelsey Robertson and Parker Thompson.
"To prepare for this production, our actors have put in a lot of hard physical work," Neville said. "It's a visually dynamic play, and we want to bring it to life with expressive movement like tumbling and dancing. I think our audience can expect an exciting performance."
A Dream Play runs March 14 to 21 in the Laura C. Muir Performing Arts Theatre, 700 Royal Ave. Tickets are $10 to $12, available through the Massey box office at 604-521-5050.
