History With 'Devil' Goes Back 10 Years
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Published: October 26, 2008
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History will repeat itself in Jobsite Theater's production of "The History of the Devil."
While still a fledgling company in 1999, the troupe of young actors performed Clive Barker's play to resounding success, making a name for itself in the process. Ten years later, its resurrection is a fitting tribute to the show that made Jobsite a fixture in the Tampa Bay area.
In a curious act of dejÀ vu, four of the original cast members will return to the stage - Caroline Jett, Jason Vaughan Evans, Shawn Paonessa and Chris Holcom.
"We wanted to rekindle that magic we had the first time around," said Holcom, who will revisit his role as the narrator. "But being a bit older and wiser now, we're approaching it with a more mature set of eyes."
The story takes place in a courtroom in the middle of Africa's Lake Turkana region. Satan is at a parole hearing for the evil deeds he committed over the past 2,000 years. He states that he has done his time on Earth and should be readmitted to heaven, as he's innocent of all charges; he was only an observer of man's disasters, he claims, not an instigator.
The prosecution, however, attributes every horrible event to him. Key historical figures, such as Jesus Christ, Lilith and Dante, are called upon to testify. As evidence is presented, scenes change to illustrate the past, transporting the audience back in time to events leading up to the hearing. Whether he is guilty or innocent is up to mankind to decide.
While Lucifer may have left his mark 10 years ago, Jobsite is no Rosemary's baby.
"We've come full circle," said David Jenkins, Jobsite's producing artistic director. "Back then, we were just a bunch of kids with nothing to lose. We felt Barker's play could show off what he had, which was talent.
"This season, we wanted to create a 10th anniversary experience that will look back on where we've come from and show where we are today."
It seems that even bad guys commit the occasional good deed.
THEATER PREVIEW
The History of the Devil
WHEN: Thursday through Nov. 16; 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, 4 p.m. Sunday
WHERE: Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, Shimberg Playhouse, 1010 N. MacInnes Place, Tampa
HOW MUCH: $24.50; (813) 222-1001; www.tbpac.org
Kathy L. Greenberg of Tampa is a freelance writer.
