Emory Report homepage  

September 25, 2006
Renewal and youth lead Theater Emory’s new season

Theater Emory focuses on the joys and trials of youth this season.

In addition to two major productions—Frank Wedekind’s “Spring Awakening” (Nov. 9–19), directed by Emory faculty member Tim McDonough, and William Saroyan’s “The Time of Your Life” (April 19–29), directed by Georgia Shakespeare’s Richard Garner—the season offers two programs of one-act plays titled “Young Acts,” performed in repertory (Sept. 28–Oct. 7). Both programs juxtapose works by such well-known authors as Tennessee Williams with pieces from such cutting-edge authors as José Rivera. The plays will be directed by Emory faculty Jan Akers, John Ammerman, Leslie Taylor, McDonough, Lisa Paulsen, Jim Donadio and Emory alumnus Matt Huff.

“Brave New Works” makes its biennial reappearance from Feb. 6–25. Produced by the Emory Playwriting Center, the festival allows playwrights to work with students and professionals in developing new plays.

This season is an exciting time of renewal for both Theater Emory and the Theater Studies Department. Vincent Murphy has retired as Theater Emory’s artistic director and is writing a book as he continues as associate professor and resident artist. Assuming the artistic director position is McDonough, whose interest in greater student involvement has led to this season’s focus on “youthful issues and aspirations and many roles for young actors.” Rosalind Staib, former general manager of Theater Emory, is the theater’s new managing director, and Paulsen is the Playwriting Center’s new director.

Emory Theater Studies Department also welcomes three additions. Alexandre Harrington, last year’s Emory Coca-Cola Artist-in-Residence, will be full-time lecturer in voice and diction and the vocal coach for Theater Emory shows. Amy Cook, recipient of the Andrew W. Mellon Fellowship in Humanistic Studies, will be the Mellon Fellow for the next two years. Donald McManus joins the faculty as assistant professor in dramatic literature and dramaturgy, and will perform in “Spring Awakening.”

For tickets and information, contact the Arts at Emory Box Office at 404-727-5050 or www.arts.emory.edu.

TOP