SHOW GUIDE. OCT. 26 TO NOV. 11, 2018 Hilberry Theatre. by WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE

Transcription

1 SHOW GUIDE OCT. 26 TO NOV. 11, 2018 Hilberry Theatre by WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE

2 Inside THE PLAY Synopsis, Characters, Setting 2 Director s Notes 3 THE CREATORS The Playwright 4 Dear Educators Wayne State University is proud to produce plays for young people s enjoyment and to actively explore the beauty, diversity, complexity and challenges of the world around them through the dramatic arts. We wish to support the development of their creative voice, imagination, and understanding of drama and its role in our global society. This play guide is designed to be a tool in helping you prepare your students for our performance as well as extend the production experience back into the classroom. CURRICULUM SUPPORT Activities presented assist in achieving the Michigan Common Core State Standards (MI-CCSS) Speaking and Listening 5 Writing 6 History/Social Studies 7 Differentiated Learning Activities 8 THE THEATRE Location and Seating 10 First Time Visitor s Guide 11 MORE TO SEE 12 Activities presented assist in achieving the Michigan Common Core State Standards (MI-CCSS). Your comments and suggestions about this guide, presentation and/or programming are welcome. theatrepr@wayne.edu. Your Students Role You may wish to have a discussion with your students before attending the play. Remind your students that they have an important role to play at the performance being the audience. It is because of the audience that the theatre exists. It will be their energy and response that will directly affect the actors onstage. Young audiences should be reminded that live theatre is not like watching TV, a movie or DVD; the actors cannot pause or be rewound, there are no commercial breaks for running to the bathroom, the volume cannot be turned up to hear better if someone other than the actors are talking. Encourage your students to listen and watch the play. They can laugh and cheer for their favorite characters. At the end of the play, applause is appropriate and is the opportunity for your students to thank the actors while the actors are thanking you for the role you played as the audience. Theatre and Dance at Wayne Maggie Allesee Department of Theatre and Dance College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY BOX OFFICE Hilberry Theatre, 4743 Cass Ave., Detroit, MI ADMINISTRATION 4841 Cass Ave., Ste. 3206, Detroit, MI MARKETING 4841 Cass Ave., Ste. 3206, Detroit, MI John Wolf, Chair and Executive Producer theatreanddanceatwayne.com theatreanddance.wayne.edu SHOW GUIDE Copyright 2018 DRAMATURG GRAPHIC DESIGN Jared Lee Thomas Karr All rights reserved. With the exception of classroom use by teachers and individual personal use, no part of this Show Guide may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying or recording, or by an information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publishers. Some materials published herein are written especially for our Guide. Others are reprinted by permission of their publishers.

3 The Play Synopsis Duke Senior, banished and usurped by his brother, Duke Frederick, now lives in the Forest of Arden, with his noblemen. Senior s daughter Rosalind has been allowed to remain at court with Frederick s daughter Celia, but she suddenly incurs Frederick s displeasure, and is banished. Celia decides to run away with her, and they leave for Arden with Rosalind disguised as a man, and accompanied by Touchstone, a clown. Rosalind changes her name to Ganymede, and Celia to Aliena. Before they leave, Rosalind falls in love with one of the sons of Rowland De Boys Orlando, who is ruled and hated by his elder brother, Oliver. Orlando foils Oliver s plan to have him killed in a match against the Duke s chief wrestler, Charles, by defeating the champion. Orlando is then advised by Le Beau to leave the court, and he flees to Arden with his old servant Adam. They are starving when they encounter Duke Senior, who takes them in, delighted to discover that Orlando is the son of his old friend Sir Rowland. Rosalind and Celia observe two shepherds, Corin and Silvius, talking, and learn of Silvius s love for Phebe, a shepherdess. They buy pastures and herd from them, and decide to live as shepherds. Touchstone spends much time in the company of Audrey, a country wench who is loved by William, eventually wooing her himself. Jaques, a melancholy nobleman of Duke Senior s company, becomes fascinated by Touchstone, and spends much time talking to him. Orlando leaves love messages for Rosalind all over the forest, which she in due course sees. When the two girls meet Orlando again, Ganymede persuades Orlando to treat him as his Rosalind, so that he may practice wooing. Frederick, believing Celia and Rosalind to have fled with Orlando, sends Oliver after his brother, threatening to take the De Boys lands if Oliver returns without him. Characters DUKE FREDERICK, brother to Duke Senior and Celia s father ROSALIND, Duke Senior s daughter CELIA, Duke Frederick s daughter and Rosalind s cousin TOUCHSTONE, a court fool or jester LE BEAU, a courtier CHARLIE, a wrestler OLIVER ORLANDO ADAM, a faithful old servant who follows Orlando into exile DUKE SENIOR, Duke Frederick s older brother and Rosalind s father JACQUES, a discontented, melancholic lord PHOEBE, a proud shepherdess SILVIUS, a shepherd AUDREY, a country girl CORIN, an elderly shepherd AMIENS, lord Oliver is saved from a lion by Orlando, and the two brothers are reconciled. Oliverrelates the story to the two girls, and falls in love with Celia. Phebe has fallen for Ganymede, which causes some confusion until Rosalind reveals herself. Phebe then agrees to marry Silvius. Rosalind is reunited with her father, and marries Orlando. Oliver marries Celia. Touchstone marries Audrey. The third son of Sir Rowland, Jaques, arrives to announce that Frederick had intended to invade the forest with an army, but on his way he met a religious man who converted him from his harsh ways, and he has now begun a religious life. Jaques decides to join him. Duke Senior has his lands and crown restored. SHOW GUIDE 2

4 The Play Director s Note from Lavinia Hart Self-exile or banishment is, at some time in each of our life journeys, a necessary part of human experience. We find ourselves walking away from narrow mindedness, despair, betrayal, or shadowy undercurrents of what we re driven to do in order to climb to the top and stay there. How can we escape in order to realize who we can become? Is it possible to go back to the land, to the unchartered paths of forest creatures, brooks, trees, and the wind? The characters in As You Like It all make that journey and on their way make discoveries about hope, devotion and liberation. Shakespeare s As You Like It contains themes, language and characters that can move to any century and any city or countryside and reveal surprising cultural connections to the here and now. It s universal in theme and characters. It entices us to see what happens if women take on the roles of male characters. It reveals timeless issues with epic romantic lovers, lovers at first sight, never-give-up lovers, narcissistic jealous haters that punishes human difference, melancholic and satirical philosophers, and those necessary humans we all know who are in touch with the underlying spirit in all our natures. The ones who know about what ultimately unites us. Our rendition is set in the metropolis of Nashville today and in the Smokey Mountains of time gone by. We hope that you find our Forest of Arden a little recognizable and a little magical too. Enjoy! Lavinia Hart, director SHOW GUIDE 3 Touchstone, Audrey, and Clown, [As you like it, act V, scene 1] / T.H. Nicholson ; C.W. Sheeres.

5 The Creator Playwright William Shakespeare William Shakespeare was an English poet, playwright and actor, widely regarded as both the greatest writer in the English language, and the world s pre-eminent dramatist. He is often called England s national poet, and the Bard of Avon. His extant works, including collaborations, consist of approximately 39 plays, 154 sonnets, two long narrative poems, and a few other verses, some of uncertain authorship. His plays have been translated into every major living language, and are performed more often than those of any other playwright. Henry Condell, published a more definitive text known as the First Folio, a posthumous collected edition of Shakespeare s dramatic works that included all but two of the plays now recognized as his. The volume was prefaced with a poem by Ben Jonson, in which the poet presciently hails the playwright in a now-famous quote as not of an age, but for all time. In the 20th and 21st centuries, Shakespeare s works have been continually adapted and rediscovered by new movements in scholarship and performance. His plays remain highly popular and are constantly studied, performed, and reinterpreted in diverse cultural and political contexts the world over. Shakespeare was born and raised in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire. At the age of 18, he married Anne Hathaway, with whom he had three children: Susanna, and twins Hamnet and Judith. Some time between 1585 and 1592, he began a successful career in London as an actor, writer, and part-owner of a playing company called the Lord Chamberlain s Men, later known as the King s Men. At age 49 (around 1613), he appears to have retired to Stratford, where he died three years later. Few records of Shakespeare s private life survive; this has stimulated considerable speculation about such matters as his physical appearance, his sexuality, his religious beliefs, and whether the works attributed to him were, in fact, written by others. Said theories are often criticized for failing to adequately note the fact that few records survive of most commoners of the period. Shakespeare produced most of his known works between 1589 and His early plays were primarily comedies and histories, and are regarded as some of the best work ever produced in these genres. Then, until about 1608, he wrote mainly tragedies, among them Hamlet, Othello, King Lear, and Macbeth, all considered to be among the finest works in the English language. In the last phase of his life, he wrote tragicomedies (also known as romances), and collaborated with other playwrights. Many of his plays were published in editions of varying quality and accuracy in his lifetime. However, in 1623, two friends and fellow-actors of Shakespeare s, John Heminges and Enter Rosalind, Celia, and Corin, behind. Hugh Thomson Illustrations SHOW GUIDE 4

6 Curriculum Support FUN FACT: By the time Shakespeare wrote this play in 1599, he already had seven other comedies under his belt, including: A Love s Labour s Lost (1594) A Midsummer Night s Dream (1595) SPEAKING AND LISTENING [Sharing of any writing project orally in class will also fit under the Speaking and Listening (SL) Standard] CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.1.1, 2.1 Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners about grade level topics and txt with peers and adults in small and larger groups. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.3.1, 4.1, 5.1, 7.1, 8.1, [9-10.1, ] Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in small groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade level topics and text, building on others; ideas and expressing their own clearly [and persuasively]. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.1.1, [2.4] Describe people, places, things and events with relevant details, expressing ideas and feelings clearly [audibly in coherent sentences]. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.3.4, [4.4, 5.4] Report on a topic or text, tell a story, or recount and experience with appropriate facts and relevant, descriptive details [to support main idea or theme] speaking clearly at an understandable pace. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.4, 7.4, 8.4 Present claims and findings, emphasizing salient points in a focused, coherent manner with relevant evidence, sound valid reasoning, and well-chosen details: appropriate eye contact, adequate volume and clear pronunciation. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL , Present information, findings, and supportive evidence, conveying a clear and distinct perspective, such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning, alternative or opposing perspectives are addressed, and the organization, development, substance, and style are appropriate to purpose, audience and range of formal and informal task. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.6, 7.6, 8.6, , Adapt speech to a variety of context and task, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate. Pre-Show Questions: 1. Have you ever seen a shakespeare play before? 2. Have you ever performed in a play? In school, youth theater or camp? 3. What theatrical elements set theater apart from other genres of entertaiment? i.e TV, Film 4. How do you think the actors and creative team (director, composer, designers) will bring this play to life on stage? CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.9, 2.9, 3.9, (5.9, 6.9) Compare and contrast the adventures and experience of characters in stories. (in different forms or genres in terms of their approaches to similar themes and topics) SHOW GUIDE 5

7 Curriculum Support FUN FACT: One of the most popular quotes in literature comes from As You Like It. All the world s a stage, And all the men and women merely players (Jaques, Act II, Scene VII) The full monologue is below. All the world s a stage, And all the men and women merely players; They have their exits and their entrances, And one man in his time plays many parts, His acts being seven ages. At first, the infant, Mewling and puking in the nurse s arms. Then the whining schoolboy, with his satchel And shining morning face, creeping like snail Unwillingly to school. And then the lover, Sighing like furnace, with a woeful ballad Made to his mistress eyebrow. Then a soldier, Full of strange oaths and bearded like the pard, Jealous in honor, sudden and quick in quarrel, Seeking the bubble reputation Even in the cannon s mouth. And then the justice, In fair round belly with good capon lined, With eyes severe and beard of formal cut, Full of wise saws and modern instances; And so he plays his part. The sixth age shifts Into the lean and slippered pantaloon, With spectacles on nose and pouch on side; His youthful hose, well saved, a world too wide For his shrunk shank, and his big manly voice, Turning again toward childish treble, pipes And whistles in his sound. Last scene of all, That ends this strange eventful history, Is second childishness and mere oblivion, Sans teeth, sans eyes, sans taste, sans everything. SPEAKING AND LISTENING continued CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.7 Compare and contrast the experience of reading a story, drama, or poem to listening to or viewing an audio, video, or live version of the text, including contrasting what they see and hear when reading the text to what the perceive when they listen or watch. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.7.7 Compare and contrast a written story, drama or poem to its audio, film, staged or multimedia version, analyze the effects of techniques unique to each medium (e.g. lighting, sound, color, or camera focus and angles in a film). CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.8.7 Analyze the extent to which a filmed or live production of a story or drama stays faithful to or departs from the text or script, evaluating the choices made by the director or actors. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL Analyze multiple interpretations of a story, drama, or poem (e.g. recorded or live production of a play or recorded novel or poetry) evaluating how each version interprets the source text. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.(6.2) 7.2, 8.2, [9-10.2, ] Determine (a theme) two or more themes or central ideas of a text and analyze their development over the course of the text, including its relationship to the characters, setting, and plot; [including how they interact and build on one another to produce a complex account: provide an objective summary of the text.] WRITING CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.1.3, 2.3, 3.3 Write narratives in which they recount a well elaborated event or short sequence of events, include details to describe actions, thought, and feelings, use temporal words to signal event order, and provide a sense of closure. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.3, 5.3, 6.3, 7.3, 8.3, , Writes narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective techniques, descriptive details, and clear event sequence. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.1.1, [2.1] Write opinion piece in which they introduce the topic or name of book they are writing about, state an opinion, supply a reasons for the opinion, and provide some sense of closure. [use linking words to connect the opinion and reasons, and provide a concluding statement or section] CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.3.1, 4.1, 5.1 Write opinion pieces on topics or text, supporting a point of view with reasons and information. SHOW GUIDE 6

8 Curriculum Support FUN FACT: In 1599, the year this play was written, Shakespeare s theatre company, the Lord Chamberlain s men, built the Globe Theatre that year. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.1, 7.1, 8.1, [9-10.1, ] Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence. [Write an argument to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or text, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence] HISTORY/SOCIAL STUDIES CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH Evaluate various explanation for actions or events and determine which explanation best accords with textural evidence acknowledging where the text leaves matters uncertain. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH Identify aspects of a text that reveals an author s point of view or purpose (e.g. loaded language, inclusion or avoidance of particular facts) The Globe Theatre was a theatre in London associated with William Shakespeare. It was built in 1599 by Shakespeare s playing company, the Lord Chamberlain s Men, on land owned by Thomas Brend and inherited by his son, Nicholas Brend and grandson Sir Matthew Brend, and was destroyed by fire on 29 June A second Globe Theatre was built on the same site by June 1614 and closed by an Ordinance issued on 6 September A modern reconstruction of the Globe, named Shakespeare s Globe, opened in 1997 approximately 750 feet from the site of the original theatre. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH Compare the point of view of two or more authors for how they treat the same or similar topics, including which details they include and emphasize in their respective accounts. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH Evaluate author s differing points of views on the same historical events or issues by assessing the authors claims, reasoning and evidence. Post Show Questions 1. What was the play you saw about (the plot)? 2. Who were the main characters? 3. Who were your favorite characters? Why? 4. What was your favorite part of the performance? 5. Were there any aspects of the show that stood out to you (e.g. sets, lighting, costumes, music, and/or dancing)? 6. What did you like most about those aspects of the show? From 1909, the current Gielgud Theatre was called Globe Theatre, until it was renamed (in honor of John Gielgud) in SHOW GUIDE 7

9 Curriculum Support FUN FACT: Even though William Shakespeare wrote over 400 years ago, we continue to use words and phrases found in his sonnets and plays. You could be quoting Shakespeare without knowing it. All that glitters isn t gold (The Merchant of Venice) Bated breath (The Merchant of Venice) Break the ice (The Taming of the Shrew) We have seen better days (As You Like It) Brave new world (The Tempest) The clothes make the man (Hamlet) It s Greek to me (Julius Caesar) He hath eaten me out of house and home (Henry IV Part 2) Jealousy is the green-eyed monster (Othello) Neither rhyme nor reason (The Comedy of Errors) Not slept one wink (Cymbeline) Something wicked this way comes (Macbeth) Star-crossed lovers (Romeo and Juliet) Too much of a good thing (As You Like It) Wear my heart upon my sleeve (Othello) DIFFERENTIATED LEARNING ACTIVITIES (modify as needed to meet the needs of your students) As You Like It Word Plays Objective: The students will explore Jaques Seven Ages of Man speech by creating word plays. The goal is to get the students to think about the sounds and shapes of individual words in a monologue and to put actions with those words. It is also an introduction to the monologue that each student will memorize for a choral performance at the end of the unit. Before class, make a photocopy of the list of words, and cut out each word (be sure to keep them in order). Begin handing out the individual words (in order). Give each student one word, and ask them to whisper the word. Encourage them to let the sound of the word take over. How does the sound of the word make you feel? Where does that word sit when you whisper it? On sound, say the word. What action fits that word? Allow your body to move and create that action. Beginning with the first person, have each student say the word and perform the action. The rest of the class will echo the word and action. Continue this sequence until all of the words are gone. When the students have all of their words (7 or 8), give them the remainder of the class period (if any) to place the words in any order they choose. Encourage them to ignore the word numbering for now. When they have an order they like, allow them to once again put action with the various words. After they have practiced this several times, Each student will perform his or her word play, which will then be echoed by the rest of the class. After the first time through, ask them to do it again, but this time don t pause between words. Try to read it as one voice. Continue this until the students begin noticing that the words fit together. Ask them to figure out where one sentence ends and the next begins. Once they have a fairly good sense of what the monologue is saying, give them a copy of the speech. Use the remainder of the class period to discuss the monologue and to assign it for memorization. Were the students able to vocalize their words, and make some sort of physical connection to the words? Did they recognize that the individual words formed a longer speech? Did they pick up on the rhythm of the words as they formed sentences? Did they begin to memorize the speech without thinking about it? Wild-goose chase (Romeo and Juliet) The world is my oyster (The Merry Wives of Windsor) SHOW GUIDE 8

10 Curriculum Support DIFFERENTIATED LEARNING ACTIVITIES (modify as needed to meet the needs of your students) As You Like It Word Plays cont. Word Plays List: SHOW GUIDE 9

11 The Theatre The Hilberry Theatre Located at the corner of Cass and Hancock 4743 Cass Avenue Detroit, MI n 1917, the First Church of Christ Scientist opened its doors in Midtown. Needing to expand, Wayne State University acquired the building in 1961 and converted the church into a 534 seat open stage theatre. Named after the president of the university, Clarence B. Hilberry, the theatre was created to house a graduate repertory company, which opened its first season in Your seats will be assigned by the Group Sales Manager so if you have any specific needs, please let them know in advance. SHOW GUIDE 10

12 The Theatre First Time Visitor s Guide IS IT YOUR FIRST TIME AT THE THEATRE? Welcome! We can t wait to have you join us. Live performances are an inspiring, riveting experience. For some, that can be intimidating. We hope this section provides you with answers to commonly asked questions but don t hesitate to contact us if you need anything further. START TIMES Out of respect for the audience, we strive to start shows on time. The starting time is often referred to as the curtain. We urge our audience to arrive at least a few minutes before curtain to allow time to find your seats and get comfortable. Arriving late may mean disrupting the rest of the audience because our ushers must use flashlights to safely guide you to your seats. You may also be asked to sit in another location to avoid disturbing others. You re welcome to arrive 30 minutes early. RESTROOMS We don t want you to miss out on any of the action of the play, so please visit the restroom before the performance begins. Restrooms are located in the lobby. DURING THE PERFORMANCE Please feel free to have honest reactions to what is happening on stage. You can laugh, applaud and enjoy the performance. However, please don t talk during the performance; it is extremely distracting to other audience members and the actors. Save discussions for intermission and after the performance. IF I ENJOY THE SHOW, WHAT S NEXT? We re thrilled you enjoyed the show! The best thing you can do is tell your friends about your experience. Word of mouth is the number one way people learn about us, so telling others how much you enjoyed yourself is truly appreciated. Share your experience on your favorite social media site, call a friend, or tell your colleagues at work. CAN I BRING DRINKS OR SNACKS INTO THE THEATRE? Few things are as distracting as the noise from a candy wrapper or a spilled drink making the floor sticky. This is why we ask that you finish any drinks or snacks in the lobby, although bottled water is acceptable inside the theatre. CAN I TAKE PHOTOS OR RECORD VIDEO OF THE SHOW? Elements of the show may be copyrighted, so it s illegal to photograph or film the show. A more significant reason we ask you to refrain from taking pictures or filming the show is that it s very disruptive to your fellow audience members. The glow of a camera dramatically lights up the theatre. However, we encourage you to take photos before the show, at intermission, or afterward and share your experience on social media. Be sure to tag us! Facebook: Twitter: Instagram: WayneStateTheatres WHAT ABOUT MY CELLPHONE/TABLET? A ringing or the glow of a cellphone or tablet screen takes the audience (and the performers) out of the show. Please turn your device to airplane or silent mode or, even better, off, so that everyone can enjoy the show. SHOW GUIDE 11

13 More to see Our season is full of exciting plays, musicals, and dance concerts. Included below is a list of each production and specific school matinee performances. If you d like to bring a school group to any of these, please contact our group sales manager at or visit our website to submit your reservation online. If you d like to come to a public performance, call the box office at or order your tickets online at theatreanddanceatwayne.com. XTIGONE Studio Theatre at the Hilberry By NAMBI E. KELLEY Tuesday, Oct. 16 at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 25 at 10 a.m. In present day Chicago, Xtigone mourns the death of her brothers, mowed down by a rival gang. Instead of dealing with the reality of violence in the city s streets, her uncle intends to bury the bodies without investigation. Will Xtigone risk death by opposing her uncle? Using hip hop, poetry, dance, and dialogue that speaks with an urban voice, this re-imagining of Sophocles Antigone tells the story of the ill-fated Xtigone and her quest for her community s truth. AS YOU LIKE IT Hilberry Theatre By WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE Wednesday, Oct. 31 at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 2 at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 6 at 10 a.m. Knocking down the traditional rules of romance, As You Like It is one of William Shakespeare s most hilariously subversive comedies. Being removed from the court by Duke Frederick, Duke Senior takes refuge in the wild and wonderful Forest of Arden. Duke Frederick, threatened by Duke Senior s daughter, Rosalind, banishes her as well. Fearing the unknown, Rosalind and her faithful cousin disguise themselves as boys in order to survive the wilderness. Come along on this topsy-turvy journey into one of the most joyous adventures the Bard ever penned. A CHRISTMAS CAROL Bonstelle Theatre Based on the story by CHARLES DICKENS Adapted by JOHN WOLF and TOM AULINO Wednesday, Dec. 5 at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 11 at 10 a.m. A Detroit family tradition, now in its third joyous year! Join Ebenezer Scrooge on a ghostly adventure in Dickens classic story. When the miserly old Scrooge is visited by his former business partner, now deceased, he begins a journey into the past, present and future to learn the true meaning of Christmas. Will the old codger redeem himself? Can the spirits inspire him to a greater purpose? Find out this Christmas at the Bonstelle Theatre. At just 75 minutes, with no intermission, A Christmas Carol is perfect for school groups. ANGELS IN AMERICA - PART I: MILLENNIUM APPROACHES Hilberry Theatre By TONY KUSHNER Tuesday, Feb. 19 at 10 a.m. In Part I of this two part epic, Prior Walter, a young man living in NYC in 1985, is diagnosed with AIDS. His boyfriend, Louis, struggling to cope with the disease and his own fears, abandons him. Alone, Prior struggles until he s visited by ancestral ghosts who herald the coming of a fierce angel. At the same time, Joe Pitt, a conservative but closeted Mormon, is offered a high profile job in Washington, D.C., by his mentor, the McCarthyist lawyer Roy Cohn. Joe s wife Harper, who struggles with her own illness, refuses to move. In the seven-time Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning drama, playwright Tony Kushner explores evolving values in America. COMPANY ONE SPRING DANCE CONCERT Hilberry Theatre By TONY KUSHNER Friday, March 1 at 10 a.m. Company One is comprised of Wayne State University dance students. Members are given the opportunity to create their own choreography, work with professional guest artists, and get involved in their community. The resulting work is performed several times, in multiple settings ranging from classrooms to proscenium theatres. VENUS Studio Theatre at the Hilberry by SUZAN-LORI PARKS Tuesday, March 26 at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 3 at 10 a.m. Traveling from her home in southern Africa for what she hoped would be a better life, Saartjie Baartman became an unfortunate star on the 19th Century London freak show circuit. This Obie Award-winning play, written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Suzan-Lori Parks, gives vibrant life to the story of a young black woman s journey to London, her rise to fame as the Hottentot Venus, and her eventual relationship with a French scientist. Inspired by the true story of Baartman, Venus is a tragic-carnival, an intense and devastating journey honoring the life of Baartman and examining the way we live and love today. MAMMA MIA! Bonstelle Theatre Music and Lyrics by BENNY ANDERSSON and BJÖRN ULVAEUS And some songs with STIG ANDERSON Book by CATHERINE JOHNSON Originally Conceived by JUDY CRAMER Tuesday, April 9 at 10 a.m. Over 54 million people all around the world have fallen in love with the characters, the story and the music that make Mamma Mia! the ultimate feel-good show. A mother. A daughter. Three possible dads. And a trip down the aisle you ll never forget! ANGELS IN AMERICA - PART II: PERESTROIKA April 26 to May 12, 2019 Hilberry Theatre By TONY KUSHNER Tuesday, April 30 at 10 a.m. Following the events of Part I: Millennium Approaches, Perestroika continues the complex and fantastical examination of homosexuality, race, and AIDS in 1980s America. Fighting illness and losing hope, Prior Walter is hesitant to become the prophet as demanded by the Angel. Roy Cohn is hospitalized, diagnosed with liver cancer, and under the care of Belize. Harper has disappeared and Joe s mother has arrived to try to put her family back together. Perestroika is the thrilling conclusion to the is epic tale of love, loss, and destiny. SHOW GUIDE 12