The Daily Reveille
Thursday, Feb. 3, 2011
page 13
COVER STORY
Contemporary ‘King Lear’ kicks off Swine Palace season Director calls show great political thriller Jeanne Lyons Entertainment Writer
William Shakespeare’s “King Lear” launched Swine Palace’s spring season Wednesday, giving audiences a contemporary look at one of the most famous tragedies in the English language. The title character, performed by George Judy, head of the Department of Theatre’s master of fine arts acting program, descends into madness after foolishly dividing his estate among two of his three daughters, revealing the tribulations of family relations. Judy described the play as an incredibly relevant contemporary piece. He said “King Lear” reflects the divisiveness of the current political scene and complexities of family relationships. “The show is the most beautiful production in terms of setting and costumes,” Judy said. “It’s a play running with veins of humor and excitement. It’s not just the dismal side of what tragedy can be — it’s enticingly human and
EMILY SLACK / The Daily Reveille
Interim Artistic Director George Judy (left) performs as King Lear in Swine Palace’s production of the famous Shakespeare play in the Shaver Theatre.
passion-filled.” Deb Alley, director of “Lear” and Illinois Shakespeare Festival’s artistic director, said the play contains some of the most beautiful language ever written. “People are nervous about seeing Shakespeare because they’re afraid they won’t understand,” Alley said. “This is a play with a
big name, but the actors made the language accessible and the story interesting and engaging for audiences.” The visiting director called the story a great political thriller that is relevant to the current civil discord and divisiveness in the U.S. Alley also found the family dynamics in the story interesting,
portraying themes of family ambi- for everyone. tions and jealousy through com“Swine Palace performances plex characters. range from tragic pieces like ‘King The cast includes MFA can- Lear’ to more contemporary prodidates, faculty and equity artists. ductions like ‘The Medal ChilJudy called the group one of the dren,’” Sosnowsky said. most professional casts seen at Jacquelyn Craddock, Swine Swine Palace, raisPalace director of ing the bar for fudevelopment, said UPCOMING SHOWS ture performances. the upcoming pro“Lear” is duction of “The made up of strong- • ‘King Lear,’ written by William Medal Children” willed women, and Shakespeare: Feb. 2 - 20 (Shaver is a thought-proJudy said it was Theatre) voking play from fantastic to work • ‘The Metal Children,’ written by acclaimed contemwith the actresses Adam Rapp: March 23 - April 10 porary playwright and with Alley. Adam Rapp set to (Reilly Theatre) Judy met Al- • ‘HEIST!’, conceived and created premiere in March. ley two summers by Sean Daniels and Deborah Stein: The new ago when two of coming in May (Shaw Center) thriller “HEIST!” his former stuis also premierdents performed in ing. Part party, a production directed by Alley at part live-action cartoon and part the Illinois Shakespeare Festival. amusement-park ride, “HEIST!” Judy said he invited Alley to direct is an over-the-top theatrical caper “Lear” at the University. happening in three dimensions “King Lear is one of the great with audiences actively participatroles in Shakespeare,” Judy said. ing, Craddock said. The production “It’s virtually impossible to do, is set to premiere in May. which is a good reason why to do it.” Kristin Sosnowsky, managing director of Swine Palace, said the Contact Jeanne Lyons at spring season offers lots of variety for students and offers something jlyons@lsureveille.com
FOOD AND DRINK
University alumnus creates protein drink, coffee combination Projo contains 28 grams of protein Andrew Price Entertainment Writer
Gym rats and workaholics alike can rejoice — a new beverage that packs a protein punch and a burst of caffeinated energy will be released soon in Baton Rouge. Projo, a combination of protein drink and coffee, is the creation of University alumnus Mike Young. Young said the drink boasts 28 grams of ‘One of the protein, as well as the caffeine main equal to about benefits for two cups of cofthe drink is fee. Y o u n g as a moved to Housmetabolic ton after colto work in stimulator.’ lege the oil and gas industry, but Mike Young he said he alProjo creator ways harbored a dream to start his own company. Young said he created the drink mostly by accident. “I start my day by mixing some coffee and protein, and for about four years I did that every morning,” Young said. “Then one day it dawned on me that there might be a need out there for this kind of convenient product.” Young shared his idea with friend Jeff Jenkins and discovered
Jenkins also enjoyed coffee and a protein shake in the mornings. After trying the two together, Jenkins was convinced there was potential for the product. The company launched in August 2010 with sales in a few Houston stores and product information on its website. Young said the product is aimed at a “health-conscious person.” “One of the main benefits for the drink is as a metabolic stimulator,” Young said. “A lot of people skip breakfast, which is a mistake if you’re trying to lose weight.” Rene Daigle, club director and sales coordinator of Spectrum Westside gym, said he thinks the shake would be beneficial as a preworkout drink. “Taking protein before a workout can help in building muscle, so I can see how a protein drink with extra energy would be a plus,” Daigle said. Kyle Evans, business senior, said he hits the gym five to six times a week, but he avoids
caffeine when he can. “I don’t like drinking a lot of caffeine because I don’t think it’s very good for you,” Evans said. Brandon Harvey, elementary education senior, also said he’d avoid Projo as a preworkout drink, but he could see drinking Projo in addition to a meal for added protein.
Daigle said he thinks the drink would help those looking to get in better shape as a meal replacement. “It would be good for people trying to get in shape to have it for breakfast,” said Daigle. “I’ve heard of people who put protein powder in their coffee in the mornings, and this would be similar.” The beverage is currently only
sold in Houston, but Young plans for Projo to be available in Baton Rouge soon. “It should be in Louisiana and Baton Rouge specifically by the end of the year,” Young said. Contact Andrew Price at aprice@lsureveille.com