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The Life and Times of King Kong

Wednesday, October 31 through Saturday, November 3 at 7:30 pm

Sunday, November 4 at 2:30 pm

Conceived and directed by Tracy Stephenson Shaffer

The HopKins Black Box theatre at Louisiana State University continues its 2007-2008 season with Dr. Tracy Stephenson Shaffer’s The Life and Times of King Kong. Opening on Halloween night, this playful performance celebrates and investigates King Kong, among the greatest cinematic icons of all time.

Inspired by a decade of research on popular icons and recent success teaching a course on the horror film genre at LSU, Shaffer turned to the famous primate as the current subject of her scholarship. In the spring of 2007, she taught an advanced undergraduate course on King Kong for the Film and Media Arts Program. Focusing on the seven official films that feature the character “King Kong” as well as other unofficial versions, the participants found that the cinematic retellings of the “beauty and the beast” myth teach us a great deal about the beliefs and values of contemporary culture. The Life and Times of King Kong puts these lessons on stage.

Shaffer choreographs and directs the multimedia performance, which features a talented ensemble of undergraduate and graduate students playing multiple roles. Audience members should be prepared for fun. The ensemble tells its own version of the tale, complete with flashy dance numbers and scenes from many of the films.

Shaffer said she was certain she would create a performance based on King Kong when she realized that the 75th anniversary of the original film was right around the corner. The original film was released in 1933 and broke tremendous ground in terms of special effects.

Remade in both 1976 and 2005, King Kong’s story stands the test of time. “I hope this performance will introduce a new generation to the original,” said Shaffer. “I can’t think of a better way to spend the Halloween weekend!”

The Life and Times of King Kong plays Wednesday, October 31 through Saturday, November 3 at 7:30 PM and Sunday, November 4 at 2:30 PM in the HopKins Black Box theatre, Room 137 Coates Hall, on LSU’s Baton Rouge campus.

A donation of $5 will be accepted at the door for all performances.