Literature class goes Underground at the Silver Chair Bookstore
Posted by The Skyliner on February 10th, 2010Rachel Ham
Staff Writer
Taking field trips is not something college students get to participate in too often, but students in Gregory Bruce’s world literature class have the opportunity to do just that.
One of the texts the class is discussing is Notes from Underground by Fyodor Dostoevsky. Notes from Underground tells the story of a bitter man living alone in St. Petersburg, Russia in the 1860s. Readers know him as the Underground Man, and he narrates and reflects on his life now that he has been able to retire.
Fortunately for the class, the Silver Chair Bookstore in Greer is partnering with the Devil’s Advocate Players to produce a one-act play based on this great literary work.
According to the Devil’s Advocate Players’ mission statement, ut us an experimental theatre company dedicated to the exploration of theatre and its possibilities. They want to produce theatre that is thought provoking and challenges viewers to debate and discuss long after the performances. The Silver Chair has partnered with the group previously.
Students in the world literature class jumped at the chance to attend the performances at the Silver Chair as a supplement to the class syllabus. As a part of their grade, the students will be writing a short reflection on what they learned from reading Notes from Underground and attending the performance.
The Notes from Underground performances at the Silver Chair feature the work of John Ellis as the Underground Man and Heather Moffatt as Liza. Ellis is the current Artistic Director for the Devil’s Advocate Players.
Those who attended Notes from Underground were treated to a unique and intense performance. Seeing the text come alive gave students something extra to discuss in class when the topic of Notes from Underground was brought up.
Many students have already been to the Silver Chair to see Notes from Underground, but there are several more showings in February. The next performances will be on Feb. 13, 16, 19 and 20. There is a cost of $15 which goes to support the Devil’s Advocate Players.
For more information on the performances or the Silver Chair Bookstore, visit www.silverchairbookstore.com.
Tags: Spring 2010, Vol. 110 - Issue 3