UofL Theatre Arts releases new season

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Theatre Arts at the University of Louisville is announcing its 2016-17 season, which offers a Pulitzer Prize winning drama from August Wilson’s famed 20th Century Cycle, a beloved Shakespearian tragedy, an exploration of diversity on college campuses, a Broadway hit comedy and a Greek classic.

           “This season capitalizes on the range and diversity of our department’s faculty directors and deepens our relationships with talented colleagues in Louisville’s theater community,” said Nefertiti Burton, chair of the department. “The plays we are offering this season will provide challenging performance opportunities for our students and stimulating, thought-provoking entertainment for our audiences.”

The season kicks off with August Wilson’s “Fences” Sept. 21-25 by UofL’s African American Theatre Program. The drama examines the African American experience in the 1950s and is directed by Baron Kelly, who has acted in half of Wilson’s 10-play cycle in major regional theaters in Oregon, San Francisco and Los Angeles.

            “King Lear,” an official event of Will in the Ville, Louisville’s year-long celebration of all things William Shakespeare, runs Nov. 10-14 and Nov. 17-20.

The African American Theatre Program also presents “Baltimore” by Kirsten Greenidge Feb. 2-6 and Feb. 9-12. The play, directed by Burton, raises evocative themes of diversity and tolerance within the setting of a college campus.

On March 1-5 Russ Vandenbrouke directs “Vanya, Sonia, Masha and Spike,” a hit comedy by Christopher Durang derived from the works of Anton Chekhov.

The season wraps up April 19-23 with “Antigone.” Andrew Harris directs Sophocles’ classic Greek tragedy about sisters Antigone and Ismene who ask, which is mightier, the laws of God or man?

All plays are at Thrust Theatre, 2314 South Floyd St., except for “King Lear” and “Antigone” which will run at The Playhouse, 1911 South Third St. All plays start at 8 p.m. with 3 p.m. Saturday or Sunday matinees.

Season tickets are $50. Tickets for individual performances also are available. To order tickets or for more information, call 502-852-6814 or click here. Additional events occur throughout the year. For the most up-to-date scheduling see www.louisville.edu/theatrearts or call 502-852-6814 or email uofltheatrearts@gmail.com.

For more information, contact Burton at 502-852-8444 or nefertiti.burton@louisville.edu.

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