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(Orange, CA) - Santiago Canyon College (SCC) presents Frank Wedenkind’s coming of age play, Spring Awakening, as its spring production May 10-19.

Although condemned, deemed pornographic and censored after its 1891 premiere for its candid discussions of troubled youth transitioning from child to adult, Spring Awakening saw resurgence in 1906 when German director Max Reinhardt produced the play in Berlin. Even though several scenes were cut to satisfy state censors, the show flourished, filling theater houses for 20 years. It has since become a staple of dramatic literature and galvanizing audiences.

SCC will present Anya Reiss’ reimagined version of the original, controversial play. In 2014, Reiss developed a contemporary version of the play writing, “It’s a play from 100 years ago, but it feels like we’ve learned nothing since then. The kids become the next generation, become the next, become the next.” Her version weaves together the lives of eight high school friends as they confront the confusion of adulthood using media including Google, Facebook, Skype and Instagram.

Reiss’ reinvented Spring Awakening unapologetically presents topics including underage sex, gender identity, LGBTQ identity, suicide, drug use, women’s rights, cyberbullying, physical abuse, rape, sadomasochism, parental abuse, abortion, parental neglect, religion, repressive morality, parent-child miscommunication, over-demanding educational systems and social conformity.

“The play makes many bold choices,” said director and Theatre Arts Professor Sheryl Donchey. “It’s relevant. It’s alive. It’s happening right now. The story has lost none of its relevance through the years. Awash with the language and music of today’s teens, the detailed characters deliver passages of Wedenkind’s profoundly poetic imagery in a new way. The play isn’t naughty or provocative or gratuitous, it’s life: the life of our teens must navigate today. After 128 years, the kids are still not okay.”

Santiago Canyon College’s production of Spring Awakening premieres Friday, May 10, at 7:30 p.m. in the college’s Little Theatre, D-121, 8045 E. Chapman Ave. in Orange. Additional performances are scheduled at 7:30 p.m. on May 11, 16, 17 and 18 and 2:30 p.m. on May 11, 18 and 19. Seating is limited.

Tickets are $12 for students, staff and seniors or $15 for general admission or at the door. They are also available at the Santiago Canyon College Bookstore or through Vendini.com beginning April 15. Parental discretion is advised, as the play contains adult language and adult situations, often including graphic detail.

For more information, please contact Professor Donchey at donchey_sheryl@sccollege.edu.

About Santiago Canyon College
Santiago Canyon College (SCC) serves more than 17,000 credit and noncredit students each semester. In 2017, SCC was ranked #13 among the 50 Best Community Colleges in the U.S. by College Choice, a leading authority in college and university rankings and resources. The college prepares students for transfer to four-year institutions and careers, and provides courses for personal and professional development, as well as customized training for business and industry. The college is recognized for its adult education program which keeps the working adult - and senior - in mind by offering flexible schedules, and community locations. Serving the residents of Anaheim Hills, Orange, Tustin, and Villa Park, SCC is one of two comprehensive colleges under the auspices of the Rancho Santiago Community College District.

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