What happens when the life youve always known gets taken away from you?
Thats the subject of the Steven Dykes playKolonists,to be presented by the West Virginia University Division of Theatre and Dance at the Creative Arts Center, Nov. 12-20.
The play is set in the tiny country of Estonia, located in Eastern Europe on the Baltic Sea. After 50 years of Soviet occupation Estonia regained its freedom in 1991 with the collapse of the Soviet Union, forcing Russians living there to face the daunting prospect of one world ending and another one beginning.
This brilliantly written play�€with echoes of Chekhov�€centers on the lives of the families that once ruled the country as they confront upheaval and the betrayal of those closest to them.
Directed by WVU theatre professor Phillip Beck, the play opens in the CAC s Gladys G. Davis Theatre on Friday, Nov. 12.
Evening performances will be Nov. 12, 13, 17, 18 and 19 at 7:30 p.m. There will also be matinee performances on Nov. 14 and 20 at 2 p.m.
AnUpfront&Backstagepre-show presentation will take place prior to the Nov. 14 matinee. This presentation, which begins at 12:30 p.m., will allow the audience to meet the people behind the scenes, tour backstage, and visit the shops where scenery, props and costumes are built. The presentation will begin in the lobby of the Gladys Davis Theatre. The Nov. 14 performance will also be interpreted for the hearing impaired.
In addition, there will be a Post-Show Panel Discussion following the Nov. 18 performance. During this discussion with the director, designers and company, the audience will have an opportunity to ask questions, make comments, and discuss the process of bringing the play to life.
WVU students in the cast ofKolonistsinclude Magali Naas, Max Arnaud, Carrie Witting, Trevor Nichols, Neil Austin, Marc Freidman, Matt Haught and Setenay Yener.
Technical director is Dwayne Davis, costume designer is Pavlo Bosyy, lighting designer is graduate student Colin McKeen, and stage manager is Don Rebar.
Tickets forKolonistsare $11 for the general public and $9 for WVU faculty and staff, senior citizens, students and children. For tickets or more information, call the Mountainlair Box Office at (304) 293-SHOW. Schools interested in attending matinee productions should contact the Division of Theatre and Dance at (304) 293-4841 ext. 3120. Special ticket prices are available for groups of 10 or more.