USM Theatre Presents Doctor Faustus Opening on Oct. 26

Thu, 10/19/2023 - 02:07pm | By: Caroline Neese

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM)’s Theatre program presents Doctor Faustus by Christopher Marlowe, beginning Thursday, Oct. 26 at 7:30 p.m. in the Martha R. Tatum Theatre on the Hattiesburg campus. 

Dr. David Coley directs this Elizabethan cautionary tale which tells the story of a brilliant scholar whose quest for knowledge leads him into a deal with the devil.

“This is one of those plays that has something for everyone,” said Dr. Coley, producer and assistant professor of Theatre. “It has the tragedy that people might expect, but it’s also frequently hilarious. It has intensely powerful personal moments but also grand spectacle. I think this is a show that will surprise most everyone who sees it.”

The story follows the character of Doctor John Faustus, played by Petron Brown, a third-year MFA performance candidate, who, despite being low-born, earns a doctorate in theology. However, his insatiable craving for knowledge and power leads to Faustus being tempted by necromancy.

"Working on Doctor Faustus is probably the most enlightening experience I've had as an actor,” said Brown. “Never has a role challenged me this much and called for such specificity and understanding.”

Brown is in great company as many celebrated actors have portrayed Doctor Faustus on stage and on screen. The play was first performed in 1604 and has since had many performances and adaptations. However, Southern Miss’s Theatre program presents an updated and stylized production that has been described as “medieval meets fantasy.”

“This show is spooky, hilarious, allegorical, philosophical, supernatural, and so much more. Audiences are certainly in for a ride and will be amazed at how everyone on stage is taking the text to new heights,” said Brown.

Shelby Burgess, a second-year MFA candidate in scenic design who designed the scenery, says the vision of the show was established quickly and easily.

“From the get-go, the design team and the director have been absolutely in sync,” says Burgess. “This has been the smoothest design process I've been a part of. I'm super excited for audiences to see all the technical elements we've built into the world!”

The vision comes to life on Oct. 26 with more dates through November 5, closing with a matinée at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $18 for general admission, $15 seniors, military, faculty and staff, and $8 for students. This show will most likely be enjoyed by ages 13 and up.

Purchase tickets at the Southern Miss Ticket Office.