THE LIBERTINE
By Stephen Jeffreys
The Libertine is a period piece set in late-17th century England. The piece centers around John Wilmot, the 2nd Earl of Rochester and the women and friends who encircled him in the final years of his life and career. A playwright and nobleman, Rochester’s flamboyant escapades earned him the nickname, "the profane Earl" and caused his banishment from Charles II's court at least once a year. His offenses ranged from kidnapping an heiress whom he later married, smashing of the king's favorite sundial, drunkenness and lechery. In an age of sinfulness he gained the reputation of being one of its greatest sinners. It so happened that the bewigged and rakish Earl was also a daring wit and poet who could, had he not felt it "beneath him," have been one of his era's outstanding playwrights.
A dark, political, powerful play about a man's lost potential and self-destruction in the midst of wanting to change himself and change the world around him for the better. We are asking: why do we hold ourselves back from achieving our greatest potential? Why are we afraid of our own success? And possibly, what else is every human striving for other than truly amazing experiences.
Fight Choreography by: Turner Smith
Choreography By: John Cosenza
Lighting by: Kayla Asbell
Scenery by: Adele Rylands
Costumes by: Matt Allamon
Sound by: Mary Amelia Beyer
Dramaturgy by: Richard Aufrichtig and Raymond Chu
For additional photos, cast list, or more information please contact me.
John Wilmot, 2nd Earl of Rochester
as painted in late 17th century
John Wilmot played by John Hardin
