Theatre TJC tackles rugged territory in “Terra Nova,” in its first production of the 2018-19 season.
“We took risks, we knew we took them; things have come out against us, and therefore we have no cause for complaint, but bow to the will of Providence, determined still to do our best to the last.” -- Robert Falcon Scott, the first Englishman to reach the South Pole
Those brave but fatalistic words were among the last that Scott wrote in his journal in the winter of 1912, just hours before he and his five-man expedition froze to death on the swirling, icy Antarctic tundra.
Scott dutifully kept a record of the exploration that began as an adventure -- part scientific experiment, part patriotic race against a Norwegian team--but ended in disaster. His journal entries made headlines that saddened Britain and, seven decades later, became the foundation for Ted Tally's award-winning play, “Terra Nova.”
Show times are 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, Oct. 10-13, with a 2:30 p.m. matinee on Saturday, Oct. 13, in Jean Browne Theatre on the TJC main campus.
Tickets go on sale Wednesday, Oct. 3, at the TJC Box Office. Box office hours are noon-6 p.m. weekdays throughout the run of the show. For reservations, call the box office at 903-510-2212. Tickets prices are $10 for adults, $5 for seniors, students and active military.
The production is under the direction of Rebecca Faulds-Howard, TJC theater professor.
The drama takes the audience directly onto the harsh terrain where Scott and his men challenged the elements while trying to maintain their enthusiasm as they realize the Norwegians are winning the contest.
Cast includes: J.W. McFarland, Bullard; D’Kameron Edmonson, Forney; Keirsten Culver, Forney; Tyler Baker, Bullard; Bryson Chalk, Big Sandy; Sean Riley Cunningham, Tyler; and William Brown, Bullard.
Assistant directors are Nicki Dempsey and James Cross, both of Tyler. Stage manager is Ellie Hudson of Tyler.
For more on TJC Cultural Arts District events, go to TJC.edu/PerformingArts.