If the person who created a work of art has done a terrible thing, does that make the work of art terrible as well?
The Siena theatre program explores this question and more in A Maze, a recently penned play by Rob Handel. Handel weaves together the stories of a rock band trying to find a sense of meaning in their work once again, an obsessive graphic artist who goes to extraordinary lengths to create his work, a young girl coming to grips with her new freedom from captivity, and the characters of a fantastical graphic novel dealing with the feelings of obsession, love, greed, and loneliness much the same as the “real” characters.
The production, which opened last night and will run March 8, 9, 10, 14,15, 16 at 8 PM and March 10 at 3 PM, is directed by Jorge Luna, and features standout performances from Siena students. The production showcases some of the artwork of Daniel Van Meter ‘24, an accounting major. The production also features a collaboration with the communications department, with live broadcasts in the production provided by SCTV.
“A Maze approaches the artist’s predicament to be remembered at any cost; the unwavering relentlessness of their spirit to make themselves known to others in this world. Furthermore, is there a way for artwork to transcend the perhaps reductive confines of the dialogue between artist and audience? Could this be the reason we, as a species and artists, are eternally bound to finding a special someone in order to validate our creations- a partner, a spouse, a best friend? Is the reason for keeping a witness to our lives a truthful confirmation to ourselves of our own existence?”
Jorge Luna, director
