October 08, 2009

University Theatre at California State University, Fresno begins its 2008-09 season Oct. 3 with “Slaughter of the Innocents,” a tribute to the centennial celebration of Fresno author William Saroyan’s birth.

Students are on stage and do the behind-the-scenes work, putting into action what they’ve learned in classrooms and from previous University Theatre productions in pursuit of undergraduate and graduate degrees in a variety of theater arts programs.

Fresno State faculty will direct the students’ efforts in six productions throughout the academic year.

Dr. Ed EmanuEl, a theater arts professor, is the director of “Slaughter of the Innocents,” a dark, futuristic drama written in 1958 about a country whose government leaders run amok, Civil rights are suspended, and sham trials held for “enemies” in such places as Archie’s bar, where the proprietor’s conscience takes a rebellious turn.

“Slaughter” was written in the wake of the McCarthy era, when even the suggestion that a person had Communist ties could ruin a career.

Curtain rises at 8 p.m. Oct. 3-4 and 7-11 and 2 p.m, Oct. 5. Tickets are $17 for general admission; $15 for Fresno State faculty, staff, Alumni Association members, seniors and students from other schools; and $10 for Fresno State students. Group discounts (20 or more) are available.

Here is the rest of the University Theatre lineup:

• “Shiloh Rules” by Doris Baizley, a comedy about Civil War re-enactors; Oct. 31-Nov. 8; directed by Terry Miller.

• “Measure for Measure” by William Shakespeare; comedy/drama about humility and pride; Dec. 5-13; directed by Brad Myers.

• “The Piano Lesson” by August Wilson; a drama about a brother and sister at odds over the family legacy; Feb. 27-March 7; directed by Thomas-Whit Ellis.

• “Ted Hughes' Tales From Ovid” adapted by Tim Supple and Simon Reade; a dramatization of the author’s translation of “Metamorphoses;” March 27-April 4; directed by Ruth Griffin.

• “Laughing Stock” by Charles Morey; a comedy about summer stock theater; May 8-16; directed by Kathleen McKinley.

For more information call the Theatre Box Office, 559.278.2216.