For its upcoming 2016-17 season, the University of Louisville Theatre Arts Department will offer a Pulitzer Prize winning drama from August Wilson’s famed 20th Century Cycle, a beloved Shakespearean tragedy, an exploration of diversity on college campuses, a Broadway hit comedy and a Greek classic.
Here’s the rundown:
“Fences” by August Wilson
Set in the 1950s, “Fences” focuses on the life of 53-year-old Troy, a black man struggling to provide for his family. Once a promising baseball player, Troy turned to crime and eventually served time in prison for a murder he accidentally committed while robbing a bank. Like all of the "Pittsburgh" plays by August Wilson, Fences explores the evolving African-American experience and examines race relations. U of L’s African American Theatre Program will perform “Fences” Sept. 21-25.
“King Lear” by William Shakespeare
This is probably Shakespeare’s most heart-wrenching tragedy. It follows the titular king as he descends into madness. “King Lear,” an official event of Will in the Ville, Louisville’s year-long celebration of all things William Shakespeare, and runs Nov. 10-14 and Nov. 17-20.
“Baltimore” by Kirsten Greenidge
Playwright Kirsten Greenidge explores the complexities of racism from the perspective of eight culturally diverse college students in “Baltimore.” The play follows Shelby Wilson, a resident advisor to a group of freshmen. Shelby's job takes an emotional turn when she has to serve as mediator among the students following a racially charged campus incident. The African American Theatre Program will perform “Baltimore” on Feb. 2-6 and Feb. 9-12.
“Vanya, Sonia, Masha and Spike” by Christopher Durang
Christopher Durang has taken the work of Anton Chekhov and flipped it into a modern Broadway comedy. The story revolves around the relationships of three middle-aged, single siblings -- two of whom live together -- and takes place during a visit by the third, Masha, who supports them. Russ Vandenbrouke directs “Vanya, Sonia, Masha and Spike” March 1-5.
“Antigone” by Sophocles
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?
More information about all the productions is available here.
