The Theatre Arts department at Fresno State is proud to announce the 2015-2016 season, which includes an exploration into skin color and discrimination, a modern reinvention of a timeless comedy on Halloween, a critically acclaimed 2012 Off-Broadway production, a contemporary dance ensemble, a fourth-wall breaking adaptation of Moliere, and a world premiere based upon the stories of Central Valley migrants. “This season we are building upon our reputation for mixing classics and modern works,” said Melissa Gibson, Theatre Arts department chair. “With such a diverse slate of productions, University Theatre is excited to share the upcoming season with the community.
The fall semester begins with “Yellowman” (Oct. 2-10), directed by Thomas-Whit Ellis. A 2002 Pulitzer Prize finalist, the play is a poetic and brutal examination into the complexity of colorism, prejudice based upon skin tone rooted in slavery, and how this issue continues to impact communities. Nearing Halloween, director Kathleen McKinley re-examines Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” (Oct. 31-Nov. 7) as a modern exploration of sorcery, lust and shape-shifting akin to “Twilight” and “The Walking Dead”. Closing out the fall, director Brad Myers presents “Really Really” (Dec. 4-12). This startlingly funny production examines Generation Me following the aftermath of a wild college party. Written by Paul Downs Colaizzo, the play garnered considerable attention off-Broadway in 2012.
The Contemporary Dance Ensemble kicks off 2016 with energy, passion and movement (Feb. 12-20). Artistic director Kenneth Balint brings five choreographers together to present imaginative movement, physicality and collaboration in contemporary dance. In March an adaption of Molière’s comedies “Malpractice, or Love’s the Best Doctor” (March 11-19) will be staged. Directed by Ruth Griffin, the production tells the story of a father and daughter coming to terms with hypochondria and wellness. The season closes with the world premiere of “Blue Willow” (May 6-14). Written by Pamela Sterling and directed by J. Daniel Herring, the play weaves the past and present voices of the migrant community within the Central Valley. Adapted from the Doris Gates’ novel of the same name, the story is described as Fresno’s “Grapes of Wrath”.
Season subscriptions and individual tickets will be available to purchase online on Friday, Aug. 14, 2015 or by visiting Theatre Arts department box office in the Speech Arts building beginning Sept. 1 (noon-4 p.m., Monday-Friday and one hour before curtain).
Tickets are $17 for adults, $15 for Fresno State faculty, staff, alumni, seniors citizens and military, and $10 for students. Group rates are available by contacting the box office. Parking passes must be purchased for all Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evening performances.
For more information, contact Anthony Cody at dacody@csufresno.edu or 559.278.7512 or visit the Theatre Arts department website at www.fresnostate.edu/theatrearts.
University Theatre 2015-2016 Season Schedule
“Yellowman”
By: Dael Orlandersmith
Director: Thomas-Whit Ellis
Dates: Oct. 2-4 and 6-10, 2015
Theatre: Dennis and Cheryl Woods Theatre
“A Midsummer Night’s Dream”
By: William Shakespeare
Director: Kathleen McKinley
Dates: Oct. 30-Nov. 1 and Nov. 3-7, 2015
Location: Dennis and Cheryl Woods Theatre
“Really Really”
By: Paul Downs Colaizzo
Director: Brad Myers
Dates: Dec. 4-6 and 8-12, 2015
Theatre: John Wright Theatre
Contemporary Dance Ensemble
Artistic Director: Kenneth Balint
Dates: Feb. 12-14 and 16-20, 2016
Theatre: John Wright Theatre
“Malpractice, or Love’s the Best Doctor”
Adapted from: The Comedies of Moliére
Adapated by: The Dell’Arte Players
Director: Ruth Griffin
Dates: March 11-13 and 15-19, 2016
Theatre: Dennis and Cheryl Woods Theatre
Blue Willow
By: Pamela Sterling
Director: J. Daniel Herring
Dates: May 6-8 and 10-14, 2016
Theatre: John Wright Theatre
Related links:
