Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s School of Theater and Dance is bringing a fresh perspective to the holiday classic A Christmas Carol this December.
Directed by third-year MFA student Kesiena Obue, this adaptation will transport the story from Victorian England to 1920s Cairo, Illinois.
The decision to reimagine the setting was inspired by Charles Dickens’ own travels to Cairo in 1842, during his trip along the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers.
Obue wanted the production to resonate with local audiences, emphasizing Dickens’ themes of community, kindness, and humanity.
The story, she notes, reflects ongoing social, cultural, and political issues, making it particularly relevant today. "It costs nothing to be kind," Obue remarked, highlighting the moral lesson at the heart of the tale.
The adaptation, written by the late Darwin Payne, a former SIU professor and renowned scenic designer, will remain largely faithful to his work, but Obue plans to infuse the production with music and dance.
The show will also serve as the thesis project for MFA students Aleka Fisher (costume design) and Charlie Lockridge (technical direction).
Auditions for the 20-member cast will take place in the fall, with performances scheduled for Dec. 5-8, 2024, at McLeod Theater.
