News and Media

Published: Feb 23, 2011


SAVANNAH, Georgia - The SCAD performing arts department presents a multimedia adaptation of Ray Bradbury's cult-classic novel "Fahrenheit 451," directed by SCAD performing arts artistic director Sharon Ott, running Thursday, March 10, through Sunday, March 13, at the Lucas Theatre, 32 Abercorn St.

"Fahrenheit 451" is Bradbury's imaginative meditation on censorship and defiance. It takes place in an unspecified future time in an anti-intellectual America where the possession and reading of books is considered an illegal activity. In this world, government-controlled television rules and firemen, employed by the government, burn books along with the homes in which they were hidden while a horrifying "mechanical hound" is sent to hunt down and kill offenders. When young firefighter Guy Montag becomes disillusioned with this sadistic and oppressive society, he begins a dangerous journey for personal and intellectual freedom.

In what will be the largest collaborative effort in the history of SCAD's performing arts department, director Sharon Ott has enlisted the talents of more than 120 artists to create this multimedia piece. The set includes eight video screens and five projectors, and is the result of the creativity of students in SCAD's film, animation, motion graphics, production design, sound and performing arts departments. SCAD Atlanta's motion media department has also lent their expertise to this production.

On Friday, March 11 at 10 a.m., SCAD performing arts will present a special matinee of "Fahrenheit 451" for middle school and high school audiences, followed by a question-and-answer session with the cast and creators. Among those schools participating are St. Andrew's School, Sol C. Johnson High School, Calvary Day School, St. Vincent's Academy, Islands High School, Savannah Arts Academy, Memorial Day School and Richmond Hill High School.

Ray Bradbury's reputation as a writer of courage and vision was established with the publication of "The Martian Chronicles" in 1950. In 1953, Bradbury wrote "Fahrenheit 451," which many consider to be his masterpiece. Other works include "Dandelion Wine," "Something Wicked This Way Comes," and "I Sing the Body Electric!" In all, Bradbury has published more than thirty books and close to 600 short stories, and has been honored with the National Book Foundation Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters.

"Fahrenheit 451" runs Thursday, March 10 to Saturday, March 12, at 8 p.m., with matinees on Saturday and Sunday, March 12 and 13, at 3 p.m. Tickets are $15 general admission, $10 with senior, student or military ID, $5 with valid SCAD ID.  The Thursday, March 10, 8 p.m. performance will be free with valid SCAD ID.

Tickets can be purchased through the Savannah Box Office at the Trustees Theatre, 216 Broughton St., online or by calling 912.525.5050.