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Show Arts & Lfisure SOUTHERN UTAH STATE COLLEGE, CEDAR CITY THE THUNDERBIRD THURSDAY JANUARY 19, 1989 PAGE 6 Baker resurrects author ONeill BY GARY ZIEGLER It is one of lifes rare occurrences when a person not only is able to become like someone they idolize, but actually become that person. Such is a dream come true for Douglas H. Baker, assistant professor -- of theatre arts at SUSC and director of Greenshow and Feaste activities for the Utah Shakespearean Festival. Through Bakers talent, the life and writings of author Eugene ONeill come alive in a production of ONeill: A Proud and Painful Conviction. The show, written and performed by one-ma- n Baker, will open to SUSC audiences Thursday Jan. 26 and run until Saturday, Jan. 28 in Thorley Douglas H. Baker, SUSC theatre assistant professor, will portray n author Eugene ONeill through a self written play. -- one-ma- Recital Hall beginning at 8 p.m.. Baker first had opportunity 12 years ago to perform ONeills work Ah Wilderness. He then played Edmund in the ONeill classic Long Days Journey Into Night, which, Baker says, represents ONeill himself. Through his experiences I fell deeply in love with the depth of this particular man, Baker said. He also feels that ONeill is a kindred spirit and that much of his life is parallel to his own. ONeill, who spent many of his later years plagued with tragedy and ill health, was criticized by many as being a hateful and bitter man. Baker agrees that ONeill was a terribly frustrated and pained individual, but sees him as a more sensitive person. For that reason, among many, Baker took it upon himself to produce the show in order to alert mankind to the fact that ONeill really was full of sensitivity. The play attempts to show ONeills joy for life, rather than his disgust with life and self pity. Although Baker feels close to the man he has immortalized, he is afraid at the thought of ever meeting him in an afterlife. (ONeill) was a rather frightening personality, he said, noting that it is very difficult to portray that side of ONeill in the piece. However, through the use of several of ONeills quotes, five of his works, as well as much speculation and various writings based on his works, & OIL Lai Li pn Lrd THE OTHER GUYS FOR PROMPT DELIVERY AILLL SSS-SSS- U WHOLESALE & RETAIL 420 W. 100 W. 586-787- 6. hunter cowim OFF $2 AUTOMATIC REFILL SERVICE HOME HEATING OIL To) i Baker has prepared the piece with the desire that audiences will understand the story of a man trying to deal with the world at large. It is a very universal thing, he said. Baker bases much of his philosophy of acting on one of ONeills thoughts where he states if a person has the urge to be a writer, it is because he has a desire to find himself. This concept holds true in Bakers life not only as an actor but to exemplify his reasoning for writing the one-ma- n production. In reference to the importance of an artist keeping up on his talents through continual production of works, Baker feels a need to stay on top of his skills in order to receive fulfillment. You cant ask me to sit back, keep up with my work and be fulfilled, he said. Acting is an important element; it is an expansion of the soul. And expanding his soul is exactly what Baker has tried to do throughout his acting career. He feels that acting helps broaden ones life experience. That is why actors are actors, he said. Much like ONeill and his writings, Baker says that actors are people who make themselves totally vulnerable to criticism. He also stated that a great deal of confidence is needed in the field. (Acting) is an effort that shows the value of risk taking, Baker said. Vulnerability is a power that creates strength. However, despite the criticism actors may receive, manys purpose for being involved in the arts is to help humanity understand one another. Aside from his SUSC performances, Baker will also present his solo play at Utah Theatre Association meetings Feb. 16 at Brigham Young University and will take the production on tour later this year, said director Roger Bean. Tickets, $5 for adults and $3 for senior citizens and students, are available at the Theatre Box Office, They can be purchased from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to approximately 7 p.m. on performance days. Tickets may also be acquired at Thorley Recital Hall one hour prior to curtain. Proceeds will help fund scholarships for the SUSC theatre dance department. ANY CASSETTE IN STOCK GOOD ONLY AT HUNTER COWAN, 79 NORTH MAIN. EXPIRES JAN 31, 1989. wmsiWMKm RON a CRIS' BECERY WITH SUPER BOWL TREATS FOR THIS WEEKENDS BIG GAME! 50 W. 40 S. |