Doctor Faustus
Merced Shakespearefest Presents a Staged Reading of Christopher Marlowe's Doctor Faustus, directed by Katie Brokaw
February 22 and 23
Tickets: $10 general, $5 students
The Story
Christopher Marlowe's "Doctor Faustus" explores the enduring theme of the Faustian bargain—the pact with the devil that has captivated audiences from the play itself to contemporary expressions such as the country music hit "The Devil Went Down to Georgia." This theme invites us to reflect on our own lives, envisioning ourselves as Faustus, relinquishing our personhood and future in pursuit of what we deem valuable: convenience, knowledge, wealth, or power. In his hubris, Faustus believes he has ample time, convinced that judgment will not come for him anytime soon. As Shakespeare's contemporary, Marlowe delves into the depths of human ambition and the dire consequences that can follow.