The HCC Northeast Drama Department presented their production of “Oedipus Rex” by Sophocles. Held in the Black Box Theater at Codwell Hall; the play was directed by the head of the HCC Northeast Drama Department, Debra Schultz.

In referring to her selection process for productions, Schultz has stated, “I am always drawn to those plays that provide a challenge, not only to student actors, but also to the audiences that will ultimately view it.”

Schultz added that, “Oedipus Rex seemed to be the challenge we needed at this point. For the actors, I only wanted to challenge them with a specific style, but also with the comparison of the style with that of contemporary concepts of ‘good acting'”.

The Cast and crew included students as well as community members. Starring as Oedipus is Kamran Taherpour, who has experience in HCC Northeast and Northwest productions as well as the web series “The Deadline”. His experience showed as he encompassed the dialect and mannerisms one would expect from the City of Dionysia 430 B.C.

Erin Connally played Jocasta and in true ancient Greek theatrical style and she doubled as a member of the Chorus. The Biology major made her acting debut with this production. Her portrayal of the unknowing wife to her own son showed no signs of her newness to theater.

Creon was played by seasoned actor Sam Martinez. The native Houstonian received his training in New York at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. Besides acting, Martinez has directing credits that include “The Children’s Hour”, “The Great American Trailer Park Musical” and “Harvey”. Martinez carried multiple roles, but remained true to each.

Eduardo Lopez portrays three characters as a member of the Chorus, Teiresias and the Messenger. Lopez’s ability to navigate between roles and give uniqueness to each made the play seem to have more than four actors. His experience includes HCC Northeast productions of “Pirates ARRR Us” and “Some Things You Need to Know
Before the World Ends: A Final Evening with the Illuminati”.

The play is the Drama Department’s entrance in the Texas Community College Speech & Theatre Association PlayFest.

The HCC Northeast drama department has a showcase featuring the works of contestants in their Gimme Five Playwriting Contest. Shows will be held Friday, May 8 and Saturday, May 9 at 8 p.m. in the Black Box Theater at Codwell Hall. Tickets are $5.

Auditions will be held for the HCC Northeast production of “The Adventures of Hopscotch Cassidy” will be at the Black Box Theater at Codwell Hall Wednesday, May 6 and Thursday, May 7 at 7:30 p.m. No experience is necessary and performances will run June 24-28.