Performing Arts Presents award winning, aquatic ‘Metamorphoses’

This March, the department of Performing Arts in the UL College of the Arts presented “Metamorphoses,” a dazzling adaptation of Ovid’s classical poems by Tony Award-winner Mary Zimmerman, directed by Carl Granieri, Assistant Professor of Theatre.

Based on the work of the Roman poet Ovid, Zimmerman’s “Metamorphoses” explores ancient myths in decidedly contemporary fashion, brought stunningly to life in a rippling 3,000 gallon pool.  Constructed in Burke Hall exclusively for the production, this impressive aquatic environment is the medium by which the gods of “Metamorphoses” reveal themselves and transform the mortals who cross their paths.  “Zimmerman blends the comic and tragic when she reimagines these ancient stories,” says director Carl Granieri. “She brings them bursting to life in all sorts of surprising, hilarious, and disturbing ways. It’s a deeply affecting piece— one of my very favorites.  I am thrilled to work with our talented students, community performers, and this remarkable team of collaborators to bring this luminous world to life at UL Lafayette.”

The ambitious set design was the product of a collaborative effort among faculty and students working with nationally renowned scenic designer Joe Stewart. A Lafayette native and UL alum, Setwart has enjoyed an illustrious career in design that includes sitcoms, award shows, special events, game shows, charity telethons, talk shows, music and variety series and specials, and live theatrical productions.  His design firm Shaffner/Stewart has received three Primetime Emmy Awards for their work on David Copperfield Specials, three for The Ellen DeGeneres Show, one for The George Lopez Show, and one for the George and Alana Show, as well as an Art Director’s Guild Award, and a Los Angeles Area Emmy Award.

“It’s been a tremendous learning opportunity for our design students.  It’s hard to overstate the value of working with someone as gifted and knowledgeable as Joe Stewart,” says PFAR faculty and technical director Shannon Miller.  The production team also featured costume design by theatre faculty Kendra Weeks, choreography by dance faculty Sonia Deville, and an original live score composed by School of Music student Dakota Pique.  The cast includes Ryan Broussard, Rachel Chambers, Kamesha Chatman, Tanner Cole, Brandii Champagne, Andre Trahan, Joseph Mills, Jasmine Moore, Christian Mouisset, Jessica Romero, Kiana Vincenty, Kiana Washington, and Kyla Zimmerman.

The show was honored by Kennedy Center's American College Theatre Festival with awards for Ensemble Acting for the cast, Theatrical Execution for the crew, and honors for Kendra Weeks for Costume Design and Carl Granieri for Directing.

“Metamorphoses was a fantastic undertaking that has elevated our program, showcased our students from across theatre, dance, and music, and helped is cement a lasting relationship with our theatre community.”
“Collaborating with Joe Stewart on the scenic design introduced our students to a renowned professional in our industry and established a lasting partnership and friendship.”    Shannon Miller, Technical Director/Production Manager, Assistant Professor of Theatre (Design)

“Metamorphoses was a huge undertaking for our department. We were able to build 80% of the costumes on stage with limited budget and staff. …The design process was a little different for this show than some of the others I've designed. I tried to really express who the characters were through their costumes, and there were a lot of characters. There was a lot of attention paid to how these 12 performers would transform into 70 different characters…The crew was absolutely amazing…The show was definitely a team effort.”    Kendra Weeks, Instructor of Theatre (Costume)