Aquila Theatre "Catch-22" MASTERCLASS

The Lenfest Center for the Arts announces the Aquila Theatre Company’s performance of "CATCH-22" is Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2007 at 8 p.m. in the Keller Theatre. The Aquila Company says that they seek to “provoke intense thought and discussion on the nature of war and its absurdities” with their production of "CATCH-22."

Joseph Heller adapted his well known book, "CATCH-22," into a play which was performed only once in a small theater in New York in 1971. Aquila’s production of "CATCH-22" will be the first professional production to tour nationally.
The company of British and American artists dedicated to classical drama began in London in 1991. Aquila is now based in New York City where they produce a regular season of plays as well as tour over 60 cities each year.

"CATCH-22" director, Peter Meineck states, “The play feels epic, like an American Iliad. It tackles huge themes with rich metaphors, boldly drawn characters and impossible situations. Behind the rollicking lunacy is a deep feeling for soldiers and how they deal with fighting wars. Heller dared to examine the very philosophy of war and what it does to the humans who fight them.”

The afternoon before they perform at the Lenfest, the Aquila Theatre Company will lead Washington and Lee theater students in a master class. Director of the Lenfest Center for the Arts Rob Mish says that the students are fortunate to have a master class that will teach acting as movement. “Aquila teaches that acting is not just in your head, but in your whole body. The Aquila Master Class fulfills our desire to bring in artists to enrich our own program,” says Mish.
Since the opening of the Lenfest Center in 1991, Washington and Lee has sought to bring touring artists from around the world to perform for students, faculty and the Lexington community.

Lenfest Assistant Director, Susan Wager comments, “The Lenfest Committee was eager to bring the Aquila Theatre Company back to W&L. Aquila performed at the Lenfest Center in 1998 and 2002, and was well received. Recognized as a major producer in the New York classical theater arena, their actors always deliver a potent and powerful message.”

The New York Times pronounces Aquila “eclectically entertaining” and the London Times says they are “hugely enjoyable and very funny.” "CATCH-22" is sponsored in part by a grant from the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation. Tickets are required and are available on-line at http://lenfest.wlu.edu or at the Lenfest box office. The Lenfest box office is open Monday – Friday, 9 – 11 a.m. and 2 - 4 p.m. or call 540-458-8000 for ticket information.

"Othello"

"OTHELLO" OPENS PARENTS' WEEKEND

This year October 25th not only marks the day parents flock to Lexington, but the opening night of one of Shakespeare’s most powerful and heartbreaking tragedies, "Othello." The theater department felt it was time to put on a play Parents' Weekend.

This production features professional New York actor, Neil Shah, as Othello. "The students bring such a fresh and raw energy to the work, and its contagious and a lot of fun to be a part of. Nothing is assumed -- we're all just working hard together and welcoming where ever the journey leads us," said Shah. Charles Barbour ’08 feels that working with Neil is an enriching experience. “He infuses the entire cast with confidence,” said Barbour who plays Iago.

Professor J.D. Martinez, a founding member of “The Society of American Fight Directors” is the director of "Othello."
Matt Harkins ’08 said that the stage combat will be entertaining. As far as learning the choreography goes, “It is a lot harder that I thought it would be,” said Harkins who will be playing Montano. Martinez’s experience as associate member of “The Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts” also contributes to the caliber of this production since he received Shakespeare training while studying at RADA.

Martinez sets "Othello" in modern day Venice and war-torn Turkish Cyprus occupied by a western power. The play focuses on the Christian Muslim conflict. “Othello is really about trusting people who are different from us. As a nation we talk about diversity, but we don’t do a good job with accepting people who are different among us,” said Martinez.

The play centers around Iago who begins an evil campaign after Othello promotes Michael Cassio to the position of personal lieutenant. Iago causes Othello to believe that his wife, Desdemona, is unfaithful. After killing his innocent wife, Emelia tells Othello of her innocence. Iago kills Emelia and then Othello commits suicide before he can be arrested. The play ends with Iago’s arrest.

Five theater theses are involved in this production including actors Paten Hughes ’08 as Desdemona, Charles Barbour ’08 as Iago, Libby Moore ’08 as Emilia, Lauren Sapikowski ’08 as Bianca. “It lends a whole new energy and focus that elevates the production,” said Martinez. Lauren Sapikowski ’08 feels that this production is particularly relevant on a campus with such a strong Honor System. “This performance of "Othello" is about trust. I think this production has a lot to say to students and faculty a like about how hopeful and daring it is that we choose to trust everyone,” said Sapikowski.

Johnny Coyle ’11 feels fortunate to be involved in a production with so many seniors. “I am at the right place at the right time getting to work alongside all these seniors during the culmination of their theater theses,” said Coyle.

Professor Roger Crockett from the Foreign Language Department and Professor George Bent from the Art History Department are excited about being a part of the cast. “I am impressed by the commitment to the show made by the students and Professor Martinez who is a wonderful director,” said Bent.

The students feel fortunate to be working with Shah. "He doesn't put on airs. He's a humble and a compassionate friend. This five week process is a grind. It wears on you, and every time I feel my temper is going to flare, Neil is there to listen and to say ‘it’s okay, you're doing good, buddy.’ He does that with everyone,” said Barbour ’08.

The technical side of this production is equally exciting. The new Assistant Professor of Theater Design, Shawn Paul Evans, comes to Washington and Lee with tremendous production experience from UVA. This will be his first main stage production at Washington and Lee. “He is a digital genius,” says Martinez. “Othello is a lavish and vibrant production in setting, costumes and properties. We are really doing a professional production on the Keller stage.”

Bent agrees that this show is worth seeing. “This will be Shakespeare as few have seen it before,” says Bent.

"Othello", directed by J.D. Martinez, opens Oct. 25 at 8 p.m. and continues on Oct. 26, 27, at 8 p.m. and on Oct. 28 at 2 p.m. in the Keller Theatre. Tickets are required and can be purchased by calling the Lenfest Box Office at 458-8000 or on-line at http://lenfest.wlu.edu.



Helen Coupe

W&L Repertory Dance Company places among TOP TEN at ACDFA

Washington and Lee University Theater Department announces the W&L Repertory Dance Company’s Veil of Ignorance, choreographed by W&L Dance Artistic Director Jenefer Davies and danced by Alice Shih ’08 and Marjie Zethraus ’07, was chosen as one of ten outstanding and exemplary artistic works and were invited to dance in the Gala Concert held at the completion of the American College Dance Festival Association at Radford University March 17, 2007.
At the conference, W&L Repertory Dance Company in only the first year of dance, shared the stage with extensive dance departments such as UNC-Greensboro, NC State University and University of Maryland. W&L Artistic Director Davies commented, “W&L dancers were applauded for their ‘commitment’ and ‘well realized work’ and their confident and beautiful performances. The judges called Veil of Ignorance ‘mesmerizing’ and commented on its ‘sophisticated assemblage’, its ‘beautiful images’ and its ‘bravery’.”
In addition, eleven members of the W&L Repertory Dance Company presented a student choreographed work for adjudication and a dance at the informal concert. Davies remarked, “The ACDF conference and its lecturers, performers and judges support these students’ academic and artistic pursuits in a way that years of classes could not. Students gained practical experience, had a comparison with dancers from other colleges in the nation, received constructive feedback on their own performances and made contacts with professionals in the field.”
The American College Dance Festival Association's primary focus is to support and affirm the role of dance in higher education as well as to promote the wealth of talent and creativity that is prominent throughout college and university dance departments. The Mid Atlantic Region Conference in Radford provided a venue for students and faculty to engage in four full days of performances, workshops, panels, and master classes taught by professionals from around the region and country. The conference also provided the unique opportunity for students and faculty to have dance works adjudicated by a panel of nationally recognized dance professionals in an open and constructive forum. Culminating with the presentation of pieces selected for their exemplary artistic quality, the conference provided an opporortunity for college and university dance programs to perform outside their own academic setting and be exposed to the diversity of the college dance world.

DIRECTORS OF ONE ACTS 2007

W&L Theater announces the 2007 directors for the One Acts 2007. Directors and One Acts include Nadja Wolfe ’08 directing The G Word, Libby Moore ’08 directing After You, Lee Shubert ’07 directing Heights and Charles Barbour ’08 directing Mafia on Prozac. One Acts 2007 performance dates are Thurs., March 22, Fri., March 23 and Sat., March 24 at 8 p.m. in the Johnson Theater. No tickets are required.

Director Nadja Wolfe remarks, "It is an unlikely optimism that compelled me to choose The G Word. In the play, Lemkin warns that faith in humanity can be dangerous, and yet it is that very faith that infused me with the will to direct it. Dallaire, the UN commander in Rwanda, characterised the murderers as devils. Yet his own experiences and actions, which some say saved 20,000 from the massacre, prove that the “better angels of our nature” more than match the evil that haunts him. It is to those better angels that I appeal, so that the oft-heard promise of “never again” is, at last, fulfilled, and the ghosts of our own inaction laid to rest. The most memorable news stories from April to July of 1994 included the deaths of Curt Kobain, Richard Nixon and Jackie O.; the murders of Nicole Simpson and Ron Goldman; and the video of the police chasing O.J. Simpson in his Bronco. We heard little of a small African country, with no resources to tempt us, fighting old 'tribal wars.' A small UN peacekeeping force, sent to facilitate a power-sharing treaty, instead found itself doing damage control, forbidden from using force. In the time from Cobain’s death to Brazil’s success at the World Cup, atleast 800,000 Rwandans died, and everyone around them was left shattered. When the UN troop commander went home, he was a haunted man. In the summer of 2000, he was found nearly comatose under a park bench in Hull, Quebec, from mixing alcohol and anti-depressants."

W&L Theater Troupe performs at Hollins

Washington and Lee University’s theater troupe is among seven universities participating in the Wendy Wasserstein Celebration at Hollins hosted by William Ivey Long on Sat., February 17, 2007. Sheryl Silvers ’07 will direct the one act The Man In A Case; a one-man, one-woman show. Guest speaker Long will share insights into Wendy Wasserstein’s career and unique vision.

The Man in a Case, Wendy Wasserstein gives us the love story of Byelinkov, a Russian schoolmaster, and Varinka, an unmarried “pretty girl” of thirty. Divided by more than social class, this unlikely pairing offers the stodgy Byelinkov a chance to escape his seclusion and embrace his own humanity which the vivacious Varinka offers. In the end, Wasserstein leaves us guessing – once Byelinkov shuts the door on her, will their relationship ever recover?

W&L Mindbending cast includes Byelinkov, Clay Omainsky ’10 and Varinka, Shannon Brunner ’10. Joseph Martinez, producer and supervision of The Man in a Case and costume design is by Jessica Miller.

W&L Repertory Dance Company to perform

Washington and Lee University Theater Department announces the W&L Repertory Dance Company will present two choreographed works by Jenefer Davies, W&L Dance Artistic Director, and a student choreographed work at the American College Dance Festival Association at Radford University March 14 through March 18, 2007.

The American College Dance Festival Association's primary focus is to support and affirm the role of dance in higher education as well as to promote the wealth of talent and creativity that is prominent throughout college and university dance departments. The Mid-Atlantic Region Conference in Radford will provide a venue for students and faculty to engage in four full days of performances, workshops, panels, and master classes taught by professionals from around the region and country. The conference will also provide the unique opportunity for students and faculty to have dance works adjudicated by a panel of nationally recognized dance professionals in an open and constructive forum. Culminating with the presentation of pieces selected for their exemplary artistic quality, the conference is a means for college and university dance programs to perform outside their own academic setting and be exposed to the diversity of the college dance world.

Eleven talented company members will perform two pieces for adjudication and one dance at the informal concert. This conference and its lecturers, performers and judges support these student’s academic and artistic pursuits in a way that years of classes could not. Students will gain practical experience, see where they compare with dancers from other colleges in the nation, receive constructive feedback on their own performances and meet and make contacts with professionals in the field.

For additional information on the American College Dance Festival Association, please see link below for additional information: https://www.123signup.com/servlet/SignUpMember?PG=1521168182300&P=1521168191154322700&Info.

UNARMED STAGE FIGHTING MASTER CLASS

W&L Theater announces an Unarmed Stage Fighting Master Class taught by renowned fight instructor, Colleen Kelly, on Thursday, Feb. 1, 2007 at 10:10 am – 12:10 pm in the Maslanksy Studio located in the Lenfest Hall. For more information, contact Cathy McElhannon at mcelhannonc@wlu.edu.

Kelly is the Director of Education and Research at the American Shakespeare Center and teaches in the M. LITT/M.F.A. Shakespeare Program at Mary Baldwin College. Previous work with the ASC includes co-directing the 2002/2003 touring production of The Taming of the Shrew and serving as movement coach, dance choreographer, and fight director for several touring and resident productions. Kelly has also taught at the University of San Diego/Old Globe Theatres, the University of Virginia, and served as head of the Alabama Shakespeare Festival’s M.F.A./Professional Actor Training Program.

Kelly holds BS and MA degrees from Eastern Michigan University and an M.F.A. from Ohio University. She is a member of Actors' Equity, a Founding Board Member of the Association of Theatre Movement Educators, and a past vice-president of the Society of American Fight Directors. Kelly has worked professionally as an actor, director, fight director, and dance choreographer for theatres such as ASF, Denver Center, Milwaukee Rep, Dallas Theatre Center, The Old Globe, and La Jolla Playhouse. Film credits include dance choreography for Sommersby and fight direction for the PBS series Tell About the South.