FOR AN EPIC ADVENTURE, COME MEET “PERICLES, PRINCE OF TYRE” AT UCONN

For a unique theatrical experience, one that combines adventure with an epic graphic novel, look no further than the University of Connecticut’s current offering through the Connecticut Repertory Theatre of “Pericles, Prince of Tyre” until Sunday, March 7 at 2 pm. Using a colorful palette of water color sets, shadow puppets, glorious costuming and live action, this little known tragedy by William Shakespeare and possibly others provides a rousing saga of near death experiences. Damian Jermaine Thompson stars as the Prince who flees one dangerous situation only to land in another even more terrifying. His adventures begin when he is confronted with a riddle. If he answers it correctly, he will win the hand of a beautiful princess. But if his answer to the riddle is wrong, he will pay with his life. The clever prince solves the conundrum, but realizes it will cost him his life either way. Fleeing the land, he sails to a new country and saves that kingdom by providing grain to end a famine. After a storm, he is saved by fishermen, wins the hand of another princess and again takes to the sea. There tragedy seeks him out and his new bride dies in childbirth after giving him a daughter Marina. Pericles, an honorable man, is beset by difficulties as he journeys on. Eventually he is rewarded for his good deeds by being restored to all he had lost. Raphael Massie directs that fine dramatic piece that is stuffed with excitement, like a giant comic book come to life. To stream this production, go online to crt.uconn.edu or call 860-486-2113. Tickets are $10 for students, $14 for seniors and UCONN faculty and staff and $16 for the general public. Evening performances are at 7:30 pm and afternoons at 2 pm. There are many characters and situations so a brief review of the plot may prove helpful, especially if the viewing will be a family affair. Now is the time to plan a family fantasy adventure with adventures galore.