The Ludus Danielis, or Play of Daniel, is a powerful medieval mystery play composed eight centuries ago in Beauvais, France. Under Anne Azéma’s direction (music and staging), our ambitious production will combine old and new, bringing together music and movement, theater and liturgy, light and shadow, to retell the biblical story of the young prophet for today’s audiences.
A translation of the play can be downloaded here.
The Cast
in order of appearance:
Craig Juricka – Belshazzar, King of Irak, Noble
Camila Parias – Queen, Angel
Jordan Weatherston Pitts – Daniel, a young hero and prophet
Joel Frederiksen – Darius, King from Persia
Michael Barrett – Legate, Satrap, Noble
Daniel Hershey – Legate, Satrap, Noble
Luke Scott – Legate, Satrap, Noble, Habakkuk
Boston City Singers – Young clerks of Beauvais
Students from the Longy School of Music of Bard College – Magi, Queens, Nobles
With
Shira Kammen – vielle, harp
Karim Nagi – percussion
Soumaya MaRose – dancer
Peter Torpey – Light and Media
Costume:
The performers’ dress for “Daniel” will reflect Anne Azéma’s new-in-old scenic approach. She will utilize liturgical vestments to link the work to the past, but also more contemporary styles and accents to underscore the timelessness and universality of the play’s message.
“A pure delight…Top 10 of 2014”
— Boston Classical Review
“Timeless spiritual message [conveyed] more convincingly than any Hollywood epic.”
— The Boston Globe
“Unexpected energy and immediacy..immersive and subtle staging….hugely successful”
— The Boston Musical Intelligencer
“Powerful…Impressive”
– Chicago Classical Review
