Dying City,a sophisticated drama infused with references to 9/11 and the war in Iraq, will be presented Sept. 12-21 by the West Virginia University Division of Theatre and Dance .
Phillip Beck , a WVU theater faculty member who is directing the play, said that while post-9/11 politics set the stage for the play, playwright Christopher Shinns real inspiration forDying Citywas something more personalwanting to explore the challenge of integrating sexuality and truth in intimate relationships.
Shinn is one of the most provocative young American playwrights working today,he said.�€~Dying Cityis a devastating look at the betrayals and emotional savagery that we inflict upon the people we supposedly love.
The play will open at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 12, and performances will continue nightly Sept. 13 and 16-20 in the Gladys G. Davis Theatre of the Creative Arts Center . In addition, there will be Sunday matinee performances at 2 p.m. Sept. 14 and 21.
Set in a spare downtown Manhattan apartment after dark, Shinns creepy play is infused with references to 9/11 and the war. It explores how contemporary politics and recent history have transformed the lives of three people.
The play begins when Peter shows up unannounced at the apartment of a widowed therapist, Kelly, whose husband Craig was killed in the Iraq war the previous year. Peter is Craigs twin brother and an up-and-coming actor. Even though he has been living in New York for months, he and Kelly havent spoken to each other since Craigs funeral.
Peter suspects that his brothers death in Iraq was not accidental, and the play skips back and forth between his scene with Kelly and other scenes that take place the day before Craig leaves for Iraq.
According to The New York Times,On one level, �€~Dying City,which shades in the uneasy triangle of Kelly and the brothers, is as satisfyingly spooky, crisp and corny as an episode of �€~Alfred Hitchcock Presents.But in answering the plots whodunit-type questions, it spawns a wriggling host of other, deeper questions that stay with you into the night.
The cast features Lee Blair , assistant professor of theater, playing both Peter and Craig; and WVU theater alumna Denice Burbach as Kelly. Burbach is now a lecturer in the Division of Theatre and Dance.
Designers include theater student Tiffany Delligatti, costumes, and Alan McEwen , assistant professor of theater, lighting and sound. Scene and set designer is Bob Klingelhoefer , assistant professor of theater.
Tickets may be purchased by calling 304-293-SHOW or visiting the WVU box offices at the Mountainlair and Creative Arts Center. They are also available through Ticketmaster outlets or at . Tickets are $15 for general admission; $12 for senior citizens and WVU faculty and staff; and $10 WVU students with valid identification.
Note:Dying Citycontains adult themes and language and is for mature audiences.