by Veronica L. McClendon
Staff Writer
Bright lights, laughter and drama are back at the University of La Verne in the Dailey Theatre. Throughout the year a variety of entertainment and performances will be held.
One of the larger performances this year will be given by senior Stacey Williams. She is working on her senior thesis performance; Margo Fiorito is directing the play, entitled “The Girlhood of Shakespeare’s Heroines,” written by Don Nigro.
This play will feature Williams playing the role of five different women. The play will be performed tonight and tomorrow night in the Cabaret Theatre at 7:30. Admission is free, but a $2 donation is requested. Williams said that things are just beginning to get rolling and she has been producing her senior thesis since August.
Tuesday Nights at the Cabaret are open to anyone who wants to do an evening of theater related to courses of study for performances and discussion, according to Jane Dibbell, associate professor of theatre arts. The performances can also be on concerns affecting the University population. Every Tuesday night at 7:30 one can enjoy drama in the Cabaret.
“Cafe Con Leche” is the next Cabaret performance. This will take place at Lordsburg Coffee Roasters instead of in the Cabaret and will feature poetry readings and a live jazz band.
Dr. David Flaten, professor of Theatre Arts, is designing the set for The Croatian National Theatre’s, “Street Car Named Desire.” This play is being directed by Steven Kent, and is in production now, scheduled to open in January in Croatia.
Kent is an internationally known director, and has been an adjunct professor of the University of La Verne for the past four years. He was a sabbatical replacement for Dr. Flaten last year and the director of last year’s play, “Approaching Simone.” Kent will also be giving an intense workshop on conscious communication later on this year.
Dibbell is also working with theatre majors Fiorito, Jennifer Rodriguez, and S. Baker Eatmon in a local elementary school, Grace Miller. The program gives an opportunity for fourth grade students to create theatre performances based on the roots of Native American history in the San Gabriel Valley.
“The students who are theater majors pick their plays on something that help them synthesize their training and knowledge,” said Dibbell. As for major productions, the faculty picks the plays for the students.
This summer, many of the theater majors went to different festivals to participate in or observe different acts and performances and have brought back what they learned to the Theatre Department.
Something new has been added to the study abroad program. An imitation of the Guildford Academy near London is offering three drama classes in the summer, the teaching of Shakespearian acting, performance of Shakespeare and actor changing.
This semester’s plays will focus on social problems and genres of comedy and tragedy. The productions often cast students in parts, and those that are interested are encouraged to audition.
In January the Theatre Department will be holding its annual drama festival for high school students from all over California.
The main productions in spring will be Russian dramas.
Those interested in more information on plays, productions and auditions may contact the Theatre at ext. 455?.
