As a book and a classic film, "The Graduate" has captivated audiences with the twisted story of an affair between an awkward young man and a sexy older woman. Beginning today, a stage version of the classic coming-of-age story will be performed at Muncie Civic Theatre.
Executive Director Darrin Murrell said "The Graduate" cannot be separated from the turbulent time in which it was written.
"It's a play about 1964; that era," Murrell said. "The social changes are just as much a character in the play as any of the family members we meet."
"The Graduate" takes place during the sexual revolution, a time when sex and gender rules were changing rapidly. This theme runs deep in the story.
The play has resonated with audiences for many years because it is the classic generation gap story, Murrell said.
"It explores two dysfunctional sets of parents," he said. "The younger characters struggle not to repeat the dysfunction of their parents."
Murrell said the play criticizes the older generation for putting too much emphasis on material success rather than leading a more service-based life or a life with more of a world perspective.
Murrell said an example of the older generation's disturbing parenting takes place after Mrs. Robinson finds out Benjamin, her lover, has been dating her daughter.
"The mother and daughter get drunk together to cope with the situation," Murrell said. "It's tender. In some sick way, we see Mrs. Robinson as 'mother' and her sense of nurturing."
The scene is one of many that go into detail about elements of the story the movie only hinted at. This is not the only difference between the two versions, Murrell said.
"They're completely different interpretations of the story," Murrell said. "In the screen version, the viewer is and outside observer, we see the story from the point of view of many different characters."
Murrell said the play is told firmly from the point of view of Benjamin, a character made famous in the film version by Dustin Hoffman.
Murrell said Ryan Mullins, who portrays Benjamin in the Muncie Civic Theatre production, does not base his character on Hoffman.
The Muncie Civic Theatre productions of "The Graduate" will begin at 8 p.m. today and Saturday, at 2 p.m. on Sunday and at 8 p.m. on September 22 and 23. Tickets are $18 for adults and $6 for Ball State University students.
For more ticket information, call (765) 288-PLAY.
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
