UT to honor WWI armistice anniversary with new adaptation of ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’

October 31, 2018 | Arts, Events, News, UToday, Arts and Letters
By Angela Riddel



The University of Toledo Department of Theatre and Film will present the premiere of a new adaptation of Erich Marie Remarque’s “All Quiet on the Western Front” in November in the Center for Performing Arts Center Theatre.

Created with permission from the Remarque estate, this production will be performed during the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I.

Performances will take place Friday through Sunday, Nov. 2-4 and 9-11. Curtain time is 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. on Sundays.

The production follows the story of a lost generation facing many of the same lessons of today and the lessons history continues to challenge us to learn. It is adapted and directed by Dr. Matt Foss, UT assistant professor of theatre.

“Our adaptation preserves the familiar and famous characters and events from Remarque’s novel, while employing a kind of transparent theatricality as this company of soldiers navigates the last year of the war,” Foss said.

“We’re excited to have a special performance on Nov. 11, the actual anniversary of the armistice 100 years ago.”

In honor of Veterans Day, the Department of Theatre and Film will offer two free tickets to veterans and current military service members to attend the show’s final performance Sunday, Nov. 11. Those interested should contact the Center for Performing Arts Box Office at 419.530.2787 or thearts@utoledo.edu to reserve seats. Tickets are subject to availability.

The cast features Emily Damschroder, a freshman majoring in theatre, as Detering; Kurt Elfering, a senior majoring in religious studies, as Ginger; Bailey Flint, a junior majoring in theatre and media communications, as Westhus; Bryan Harkins, a senior majoring in theatre with a minor in legal specialties, as Himmelstoss; Jackson Howard, a sophomore majoring in film studies, as Kemmerich; Imani (Mo) Hudson, a sophomore majoring in theatre, as Tjaden; Gillian Martin, a junior majoring in media communications with a minor in theatre, as Kat; Faith Murphy, a junior majoring in theatre, as Leer; Justin Petty, a junior majoring in theatre with a minor in film, as Paul; Austin Rambo, a senior majoring in theatre with a minor in media communications, as Kropp; Alexandria Rayford-West, a sophomore, majoring in theatre and creative writing, as Mueller; Shaquira Jackson, a senior majoring in theatre, as Bertin; and Carlos Washington, a sophomore majoring in theatre, as a solider.

Helping Foss behind the curtain are Dr. Edmund Lingan, professor and chair of theatre and film, who is the producer; Shaquira Jackson, a senior majoring in theatre design technology, who is the choreographer; Kevin Upham, a senior majoring in theatre, who is the scenic designer; Kelly McBane, costume shop manager, who is the costume designer; Stephen Sakowski, assistant professor of lighting and sound design, who is the lighting designer; Ryan Peters-Hieber, a senior majoring in theatre design technology, who is the sound designer; Faith Pegus, a junior majoring in art with a minor in theatre technology, who is the assistant scenic designer; Logan Fleming, a sophomore majoring in theatre, who is the associate costume designer; Katelyn Justice, a sophomore majoring in theatre, who is the assistant light designer; Addison Toth, a freshman majoring in theatre, who is the stage manager; and Victoria Diesing, a sophomore majoring in theatre, who is the assistant stage manager.

Tickets are $10 for students; $12 for UT faculty, staff and alumni, and military members and seniors; and $18 for the general public. Call 419.530.ARTS (2787) or order online at UToledo Ticket Sales. Tickets also will be available at the door.

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