About the Play and Team Players
The Conduct of Life by Maria Irene Fornes is set in a Latin American country that is not specified. It is a dramatic play about the lives of five characters living under the same roof whose world slowly shifts from peaceful to violent in a matter of months. Orlando, a Spanish lieutenant who's job is to torture captives of the state, is determined to become a great military leader. His wife, Leticia (played by Ilyanette Bernabel) is victimized and ridiculed by her husband within the household and wants nothing more than to be free by getting educated. Nena is a young, innocent twelve year old girl who is raped and tortured in secret in the basement of the house. Olimpia (played by Rebecca Paulino) is the housekeeper and Alejo is Orlando's colleague and long time friend.
This play is Ilyanette Bernabel's and Rebecca Paulino's senior project. Note: This is their senior projects, which means if it doesn't get funded, they do not graduate. They are both Theatre and Performance majors at SUNY Purchase College.
Leyla Gentil (the director) is a junior Theatre and Performance and Arts Management double major at Purchase College. This is her second show to date.
The Conduct of Life will be going up in the Underground Theater in the Performing Arts Center at Purchase College on February 19th - 21st.
Cast:
Orlando: Adonis Cruz
Leticia: Ilyanette Bernabel
Nena: Eleni Papadopoulou
Olimpia: Rebecca Paulino
Alejo: Brenden Paternostro
Production Team:
Director: Leyla Gentil
Stage Manager: Tara Goodman
Assistant Stage Manager: Chanelle Larios
Scenic Designer: Joanna Conte
Lighting Designer: Nick Sciretta
Costume Designer: Iliana Paris
Dramaturg: Mel Gneils
Poster Design: Amanda Wylie
Why We Need Money
Let's face it, we are young college students that are on a seriously tight budget. With your contribution, you can help make this senior project production possible. Although SUNY Purchase College provides us with a venue and some set pieces, it is still our duty to raise money for other set pieces, important props, costumes and playbills.
Our goal is to reach $900 two weeks before the production is scheduled to go up. This will divided up into these necessities,
- Set: $500
- Costumes for five actors: $200
- Important Props and Playbills: $200
If we don't reach our goal, the show must go on and most of the funds that will have been raised will still go towards putting up the production.
Who Doesn't LOVE a Good Perk!
On the right hand side of the screen, you will see that there are different perks for different amounts of contributions. Anything you can give, will be greatly appreciated and depending on the amount, you will also get something back!
Why Our Show Matters
The Conduct of Life is one of Maria Irene Fornes's incredible works of playwriting. As a Cuban-American playwright, she has been an influential voice in American Theatre for more than four decades and a highly-regarded teacher of playwriting. Fornes has not been in good health and for that our team would like to celebrate her work and timeless legacy. After Ilyanette was introduced to this play, she knew instantly that this was the play she would want to put up at Purchase College. The themes of this play, including political oppression, rape and abuse, are as close to today's America as it is to the Latin American world. We want to show a part of the Latin American world and how it can be related to the SUNY Purchase College audience.
Risks and Challenges
This is more of a risk for us than it is for you. We need to ensure that we respect the playwright's work and convey it in the best possible way. With the right costumes, lighting, and set we truly believe we can bring this show to life in a way it deserves.
Other Ways You Can Help
We understand that times are tough and not everyone can donate but by sharing this fundraiser with friends, family and on your social media sites, Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, etc. that would help us spread the word! Whether or not we make our goal the show will go on, but with your help we can surpass any financial road blocks we may face and go on to create a great production!
