Kennesaw State brings classic Italian stories to the stage
Long before Shakespeare and Chaucer‚ the master of storytelling was Boccaccio. In fact…
Georgia (Mar 6, 2002) — Kennesaw State brings classic Italian stories to the stage
Staff
Abstract
Long before Shakespeare and Chaucer‚ the master of storytelling was Boccaccio. In
fact‚ Shakespeare and Chaucer regularly borrowed characters and stories from Boccaccio
in a way that today's copyright laws would never permit.
On March 15 and 16‚ the theater department at Kennesaw State University will go back
to the source with a storytelling performance of Boccaccio's "The Decameron." This
timeless masterpiece of human comedy‚ brimming with passion‚ love‚ adventure and bizarre
twists of fate‚ teaches wry lessons about the human heart.
"These are bawdy‚ delightful stories about romance‚ adventure‚ love lost or love found‚
and the foibles of humanity‚" says director John Gentile‚ acting chair of the theater
department. "The tales are filled with all the humor‚ the color and the passion of
medieval Italy."
Gentile calls the show a "masterwork of literary and folk narratives" because Boccaccio's
time−honored tales were based on the Italian folktales of his era. Gentile has often
brought folktales to the stage. In recent years‚ he has adapted handed−down stories
from Appalachia‚ Germany and Ireland.
"The Decameron" is presented as part of the KSU celebration of the Year of Italy.
Seating is limited for the two 8 p.m. performances in the Wilson Building Studio Theater.
Tickets are $5. Call 770−423−6650 for reservations. The performance features adult
themes and is not suitable for young children.
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Kennesaw State University‚ a progressive‚ comprehensive institution with a growing
student population of 14‚100‚ offers more than 50 degree programs. Out of 34 institutions‚
KSU is the sixth largest in the University System of Georgia.
A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers close to 200 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 41,000 students. With 11 colleges on two metro Atlanta campuses, Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia and the second-largest university in the state. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the region and from 126 countries across the globe. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 6 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.
