Story by Leah Ash, Culture Editor

The first production of the year by AQ Theatre was one that took all viewers to the past. From Oct. 6th to the 9th, students performed Mary Zimmerman’s Metamorphoses, which is based on the works of Ovid. 

Ovid was an ancient Roman poet who is most well known for his work “Metamorphoses,” which consists of a collection of mythological legends in chronological order from the beginning of the world to the death of Caesar. This theatrical version was condensed and made fit for stage by Mary Zimmerman. The performers told the story of how the world began and taught the audience many of the traditional myths of old. They detailed the story of King Midas and his golden touch; the mighty love between Alcyone and Ceyx; the mighty greed and irreverence from Erysichthon; the tragic tale of Orpheus and Eurydice; the tale of enduring love with Eros and Psyche; and many more legends. 

The performance at the Aquinas Performing Arts Center was one to be remembered, as it was a unique and stunning performance. Audience members will not forget the giant pool in the center of the stage nor the breathtaking acting from Aquinas students. 

Annah Stang is a freshman here at Aquinas and was extremely excited to be a part of the cast for this play. In the production, she played many roles, including Scientist, Narrator of “Alcyone and Ceyx,” Pandora, Erysichthon’s mother, Nursemaid, and some more. 

“My favorite thing is our preshow tradition,” Stang said. “I always love to see what different theatre companies do before shows. We have become a very close group and have worked diligently on our collaboration.”

The entire play was filled with many memorable moments, but Stang stated that the ending was her favorite part. 

“The play comes full circle and at the end we get to give an overall message to our audience together,” Stang said. “The phrases encompass the connection of the entire show and what both the author and us want the audience to leave with.”

The play ends with the messages: 

“Let me die the moment my love dies.”

“Let me not outlive my own capacity to love.”

“Let me die still loving and so, never die.” 

While the production of Metamorphoses is over, AQ Theatre continues. The season will have three more plays before it closes: a comedy called The Thanksgiving Play, the musical 9 to 5, and Lauren Gunderson’s Ada and the Engine.