USAO Theatre Reimagines 15th Century Medieval Drama in New Production
Contact: Hannah Thompson | 405-574-1362
The USAO Theatre Arts Program will kick off the holiday season with a festive and unique production, “A Second Shepherds’ Pageant” on November 14 and 15 at 7:00pm in the Davis Hall Little Theatre. This re-imagined show blends a 15th century English pageant play with the structure and games of contemporary long-form improvisation.
Adapted and directed by USAO Professor of Theatre Arts Katie Davis, MFA, the work is based on poetry referred to as “The Second Shepherds’ Play”, by the Wakefield Master, who famously combined sacred drama with secular farce. The evening’s performance will feature the original one-act story in a sketch comedy form, along with dance, puppetry, and a performance by the USAO Concert Choir. The production is suitable for audiences of all ages.
“I have enjoyed this collaboration with the music program, and with Daniel Pool, who is the master artist who coordinated the creation of the puppets who appear in the play,” said Katie Davis. “Each production is an interdisciplinary adventure, and the final piece falls into place when our audience arrives.”
The cast is composed of a collaborative mix of USAO students from many different majors, including theatre, art, psychology, communication, biology, English, and music. Crew/Technical Team members include staff, alumni, and two interns from Chickasha High School.
Tickets for the event are free for all students, and will be available at the door. General admission is by donation.
About USAO:
The University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma is Oklahoma’s only public liberal arts college. Located in Chickasha, USAO is a distinctive institution offering a challenging interdisciplinary curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving. With a focus on broad-based education and civic responsibility, USAO prepares students to become well-rounded, adaptable leaders ready to contribute meaningfully to their communities and the world.