Published: October 16, 2009 01:40 pm      

Tracing its roots

St. Francis troupe will present play on namesake

BY RUTH RICE

RRICE@TRIBDEM.COM

A local university is delving into the history of its namesake.

Star Productions at St. Francis University will present “Francis and the Peace of Brother Sun” from Wednesday through Saturday at the JFK Center on the Loretto campus.

Showtimes for the play are 10 a.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and a dinner theater at 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

The 65-minute play is the fictionalized version of a historic event – Francis of Assisi’s meeting with the Muslim leader of the Islamic world in Egypt during the Crusades in 1219.

“I found a short version of this play written in the early 20th century,” said Kenny Resinski, director. “I elaborated on the piece I found.”

Several books on the subject have been published recently, but Resinski said many people might be unaware of the historical encounter.

“I had a course on St. Francis, and this took me by surprise,” Resinski said. “I had never heard of it.”

There are plenty of St. Francis students in the cast, and Resinski said their youth works well for them.

Ethan Leydig of Portage, who will play Francis, and Addison Fox of Pittsburgh, who is cast as the sultan, are both sophomores.

“Both characters fight for their relationship, and the actors fight to present that relationship,” Resinski said.

For Michael Hauser of Northern Cambria, who will portray the sultan’s councillor, it will be his first time on stage.

Two women received roles in the male-dominant cast. Tatyanna Fox of Pittsburgh and Nancy Jo Saksa of Cresson will portray the friars who accompanied Francis.

“They both have gorgeous speaking voices,” Resinski said. “I like to do cross-gender casting, which means whoever is best gets the part. I cast a female as St. Francis a few years ago.”

Rounding out the cast are Brady Saksa of Cresson, and Brian Davis and Kevin Richardson, both of Lilly.

Resinski will add some physical action to the historic conversation by using Christian and Islamic rituals.

Costumes and music will be traditional with some modern fusion.

“This story is relevant to our times,” Resinski said. “It is possible to talk and make small things happen. It’s not instantaneous peace, but you can take some steps.”

Resinski is expecting some schools to attend the morning performances, but he also is encouraging senior citizens who might not like to travel at night to attend.

A preshow breakfast or postshow lunch is available for groups that make special arrangements by calling 472-3216.

Those wishing to attend a dinner theater performance should call 472-3930 to make a reservation.