The Studio Repertory—highlighting the talent of both acting students and faculty members—is a new addition to the West Virginia University School of Theatre & Dance season and will present two classic plays, Harold Pinter’s “Old Times” and “No Exit” by Jean-Paul Sartre, Feb. 21-24 at the Creative Arts Center.
“Sometimes the best things in life come in small packages,” said Lee Blair, assistant professor of acting and director of the Undergraduate Acting Program.
“The Studio Repertory gives the School of Theatre & Dance the opportunity to do more intimate productions, both classic and contemporary, with smaller cast requirements and different demands than our Main Stage season.”
In “Old Times,” Harold Pinter’s absurdist classic, the threat of past misdeeds hangs heavy in the air as the reunion of two friends, Kate and Anna, quickly becomes a battleground. Deeley, Kate’s husband, slowly dissects the women’s relationship, and brings past transgressions into the light.
“What and how we choose to remember is a curious thing,” said director Jenna Cole, visiting assistant professor of acting and resident artist at WVU. “As Anna in ‘Old Times’ so mysteriously says: ‘There are some things one remembers even though they may never have happened. There are things I remember which may never have happened, but as I recall them, so they take place.’”
The cast of “Old Times” includes senior Bachelor of Fine Arts acting students C.J. Bonde as Kate, Nicholas Hanni as Deeley and Kayla Hudgins as Anna.
In “No Exit,” Jean-Paul Sartre’s existential masterpiece, it’s no windows, no mirrors and no escape for three very complex characters.
In his very unconventional depiction of hell, Sartre proves that the torturous effect human beings can have on one another can be more terrifying than the idea of fire and brimstone.
“I am thrilled to be part of the new Studio Repertory,” said director Cathy O’Dell, teaching assistant professor of theater. “I have always wanted to be involved with ‘No Exit’ and I think it’s a perfect show for the Studio Repertory, with its focus on character and text with minimal technical elements needed.”
The cast of “No Exit” includes Master of Fine Arts acting students Kyle Walter as Cradeau, Mya Brown as Inez, senior Bachelor of Fine Arts acting student McKenna Kirchner as Estelle and Ben Stansbery as the Bellboy.
“Old Times” opens in the Gladys G. Davis Theatre, Feb. 21 at 7:30 p.m. and continues Feb. 23 at 2 pm and 7:30 p.m.
“No Exit,” also in the Gladys G. Davis Theatre, opens Feb. 22 at 7:30 p.m. and continues Feb. 24 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
All tickets are $9, general admission, and are available at www.ticketmaster.com, the CAC or Mountainlair Box Offices, or by calling 304-293-SHOW.
For more information on The Studio Repertory please visit theatre.wvu.edu, call 304-293-2020, or email theatre@mail.wvu.edu.
An ongoing rehearsal blog is available on the School of Theatre & Dance website at http://ccarts.wvu.edu/theatreanddanceblog.
-WVU-
cl/02/19/13
CONTACT: Charlene Lattea, College of Creative Arts
304-293-4359, Charlene.Lattea@mail.wvu.edu
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