Alternative Theatre Summer Festival presents “PRODIGAL – The Execution of William Spencer”


FIU Theatre kicked off this summer’s Alternative Theatre Summer Festival (ATSF) in June. If you missed the first two productions, you have one more chance too see PRODIGAL – The Execution of William Spencer playing July 21-25.

Created in 2006 by FIU Theatre professors Phillip Church and Marina Pareja, ATSF offers a mix of feisty and irreverent performances, provocative productions, international writers, musicals and early works by local authors.

The goal of the festival is to bring together on stage a representation of Miami’s cultural diversity. With the ability to produce performances both in English and Spanish, ATSF appeals to diverse audiences.

Church serves as artistic director and Pareja as associate director.

“This summer, the festival is giving students an opportunity to direct, as well as design and perform,” said Church. “This is a big move forward. They will still be mentored, but the students will be in the driver’s seat which is what the Alternative Theater Festival set out to establish.”

PRODIGAL- The Execution of William Spencer

Written by Edward G. Excaliber; Directed by Scott Hinz

“The beginning is so vivid somehow. So real. The beginning is a lot like the end…you just don’t know that yet.” William Spencer is living his last day on Earth. He has waited 18 years on death row for this day. As the pounding thunder and blinding lightning creep through the lone window, William must relive his most painful fears and shattered memories. Discover his darkest secrets as he drifts closer and closer to the end. A heart-wrenching story of a man’s tumultuous life, his horrifying crime and his ultimate demise. William urges you to come see him off. “Crooks. Liars. Cowards!!!!”

Performances take place in DM 150 at Modesto A. Maidique Campus July 21-24, at 8 p.m., and July 25, at 5 p.m.

Admission is $5 (preview on Wednesday), $10 (general admission Thursday-Sunday).

For more information, call 305-348-2895.

Comments are closed.