The Southwestern College theatre department will present “Dr. Faustus” Thursday through Saturday, Feb. 21-23, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 24, at 2 p.m., in the Helen Graham Little Theatre. 

“The Tragical History of the Life and Death of Doctor Faustus,” commonly referred to simply as “Dr. Faustus,” is an Elizabethan tragedy by Christopher Marlowe, based on German stories about the title character Faust.

According to Allyson Moon, director of theatre at Southwestern College, Marlowe’s Dr. Faustus focuses on the title character’s unquenchable desire for knowledge and power that leads him toward the study of the dark arts.  Faustus’ practice attracts the attention of Lucifer, the master of the dark arts. Ultimately, the two of them make a pact in which Faustus trades his soul for 24 years of life. During that time he can freely practice his magical powers.

“Our production of ‘Dr. Faustus’ is both similar to and different from the original,” Moon says.  “No longer a tragedy, the upcoming production is a comedy, satirizing the current political scene.”

Though the time, place, and approach are changed, the original character names and classical language remain.  In the portrayal of the classically-named characters, actors will frequently look and sound like well-known politicians, celebrities, or movie characters.  Many of the actors play multiple roles including likenesses of Kellyanne Conway, Prince Harry, Gordon Ramsay, Mitch McConnell, Theresa May and others. Actors in the ensemble include Raynee Case, Maya Damron, Carson Davis, Scarlet Green, Shawn Knepper, Emily Robinson, Elizabeth Santana, Jennifer Warren, Jack Warring, and Albanee Garcia. 

Tickets are $12 for adults, seniors $10, and students $6.  For more information or to make reservations, contact the SC performing arts office at (620) 221-7720 or (620) 229-6272, or email boxoffice@sckans.edu.