Temple Theaters to Present SKELLG, Based on the Children's Novel by David Almond

Based on the award-winning children's novel by David Almond, SKELLIG is a fantastical story about a young boy who finds a creature beyond description in his garage. All iterations of the tale, from book to stage play to opera, have been commended for their nuanced take on the mysteries of childhood. The New York Times wrote that SKELLIG "makes you see the extraordinary in the everyday and the turbulent intensity of childhood."

SKELLIG directed by Taylor Harlow, will be performed February 8th-10th, 2024, in Randall Theater (2020 N. 13th St., Philadelphia, PA) featuring Temple student performers. Tickets can be purchased through this ticketing link: https://www.onthestage.tickets/show/temple-university-school-of-tfma/64ac56ee35d0a10e37d8f21d

SKELLIG was published as a novel in 1998 and quickly scooped up the Carnegie Medal and the Whitbread Children's Book of the Year Award. In 2003, David Almond adapted the popular story into a stage play, where it premiered at The Young Vic Theater in London. SKELLIG then debuted in the US at the New Victory Theater Company, performed by the touring Birmingham Stage Company. "Adults as much as children can appreciate the challenges and rewards of this rich tale," wrote Time Out New York.

"I think a lot about the role artists play in making the world a better place," said director Taylor Harlow, "...I keep coming back to the idea that in order to create more just worlds, we must first imagine they are possible." Harlow, a current MFA Directing student, is being advised by faculty member and Lecoq-based theatrical movement teacher Emmanuelle Delpech in how to capture some of the fantastical elements of the play. This will be punctuated with music created by fellow MFA Abbott Musical Theatre Collaboration student Jaime Jarrett, as well as intricate puppetry.

"Almond invites actors and audiences alike to fire up our imaginations as we witness this otherworldly coming-of-age story." Harlow said. "David Almond reminds us that our imaginations are the taproot for our dreams, which ultimately have the power to create, shape, and radically change our worlds."

COVID POLICIES FOR THE 2023-24 SEASON 

Temple University continues to be informed by guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the City of Philadelphia. Masking is no longer a requirement in Philadelphia, and is optional in indoor, non-healthcare spaces at Temple University. Due to the size of our venues, and for the safety of our unmasked performers, we strongly encourage audience members to be masked. Additionally, we ask any patron who is exhibiting symptoms to please coordinate with the Box Office to reschedule their visit. Visit the university's COVID-19 Resource Hub for additional information.

ABOUT TEMPLE THEATERS 

Located on the northern edge of the Avenue of the Arts, Temple Theaters, is the production arm of the Department of Theater, a program that has established itself as a destination for some of the finest university theater training in the nation. Temple University's Department of Theater offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in acting, design, directing, musical theater, playwriting and theater education. As part of Center for Performing and Cinematic Arts, the School of Theater, Film and Media Arts offers hallmark programs in theater, film and media arts that engage students with nationally and internationally recognized faculty and fuse the high-quality training with rigorous scholarship and artistry. 

PERFORMANCE DETAILS

SKELLIG

By David Almond

Directed by David Harlow

February 8-10th, 2024 (8th, 9th & 10th at 7:30pm and 10th at 2:00pm) 

TICKET PURCHASE LINK

Artistic Team 

Director: David Harlow

Asst. Director: Zach Holzberg

Music Director: Jaime Jarrett

Choreographer: Emannuelle Delpech

Set Designer: Cory Steiger

Costume Designer: Kit Longo

Lighting Designer: Nick Wacksman

Sound Designer: Taylor Jedlinski

Props Master: Peter Smith

Stage Manager: Isabella Phillips

Cast

Michael - Will Haley

Skellig - Liam Rogan

Mina - Sky Brown

Mum - Nia Amate

Dad - Jacob Challenger

McKee - Bari Secondino

Leakey - Jack O'Neill

Coot - James Maloney

Dr. McNabola - Charlie Lazin

Rasputin - Paul Scheb

Swings - Callan Clark, Roman Fosco, Shannon Mohan, Zach Pakula

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