Ithaca College

Federico Garcia Lorca’s “Blood Wedding” comes to Ithaca College’s Dillingham Center on September 27th. Set in 20th Century Spain, this play of deception, yearning and vengeance was originally written in rhyming prose, and has been translated into English by poet Ted Hughes. The text comes alive with original music written by Iris Garrison-Driscoll and Fiona Dolan, seniors in Ithaca College’s Department of Theatre Arts.

Garrison-Driscoll saw the opportunity to compose an original lullaby while at her audition for the character of Wife. She decided she wanted the song to have a pleasant and positive feel to it, despite its dark lyrics. Garrison-Driscoll says, “Since it is meant to put a child to sleep, I didn’t want it to be spooky. Unless it understands the words, the baby wouldn’t know what the song is saying, and wouldn’t be aware of the dark environment around it.”

An acting major, Garrison-Driscoll was eventually cast in a different production altogether, but was approached by “Blood Wedding’s” director Norm Johnson about developing her piece so that it could be incorporated into the play. Garrison-Driscoll introduced the lullaby to the cast, and taught them harmonies. She is excited to see how the cast has brought her melody to life along with Lorca’s poetic text.

Musical theatre major Fiona Dolan also composed melodies for the show, though her process differed from that of Garrison-Driscoll. Dolan researched the play’s Spanish setting and culture. For the musical piece she developed for the wedding sequence, she drew from her experience as a cantor, and improvised elements of traditional chant melodies found in the Catholic mass. Dolan created a second piece that she will be singing in the play. She describes this work as “folksy and unsettling.”

“Blood Wedding” will be performed on Sept. 27, 29 and 30, and October 1, 5, 6, 7 and 8th at 8 p.m., as well as on Oct. 2 and 8th at 2 p.m.

Tickets are currently available online at Ithaca.ticketforce.com. You may call or visit the Dillingham Center Box Office Monday-Thursday, noon-5 p.m.; and Friday noon-4 p.m. Tickets can also be purchased over the phone at (607) 274-3224. Ticket prices range from $8 to $16.

A nationally recognized professional theatre-training program, the Department of Theatre Arts attracts students from across the globe. Throughout the school year, undergraduates present all aspects of theatre in a professional model. Visit ithaca.edu/mainstage for further information.

Follow Ithaca College Theatre on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ICTheatreArts and on Twitter and Instagram at @ICTheatreArts.

Dillingham Center accommodates all patrons. Individuals with special needs are asked to contact (607) 274-3224 to request accommodations as soon as possible.

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