SSU Theatre Arts & Dance Presents 'Sonnets For An Old Century'

ROHNERT PARK, CA — Sonoma State University's Department of Theatre Arts & Dance is set to present a completely virtual production of "Sonnets For An Old Century," a play performed by 21 actors each taking on a character whose life story they convey in the span of a monologue — or sonnet.

In addition to vibrant performances given by each actor, each sonnet written by award-winning playwright José Rivera is brought to life with green screen technology that perfectly illustrates what is going on inside each character's mind.

"Sonnets For An Old Century" debuts April 8 and streams online through April 11:

• 7 p.m. Thursday, April 8 (Program A)
• 7 p.m. Friday, April 9 (Program B with Q&A after the show)
• 2 p.m. Saturday, April 10 (Program A with Q&A after the show)
• 7 p.m. Saturday, April 10 (Program B)
• 2 p.m. Sunday, April 11 (Program B)
• 7 p.m. Sunday, April 11 (Program A)

Actors include Sonoma State University faculty, students, alumni and other folks outside the university who have a background in acting.

Paul Draper is the director and Marie Ramirez Downing is the voice coach; both are acting professors with Sonoma State University's Department of Theatre Arts & Dance.

Tickets are free for each performance of "Sonnets Of An Old Century" but registration for a Zoom Webinar date and time is required. The production run also includes two post-show, question-and-answer sessions with the cast and director. Visit theatreartsanddance.sonoma.edu/stage for tickets and more information.

The department is also hosting a conversation with the playwright at 10 a.m. Friday, April 2. José Rivera is joining students and faculty for an open discussion. The event is free and open to the public and is co-presented by Sonoma State University's Acting Program and The Performing Arts Club. Go to Guest Speaker Conversation Registration to sign up.