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‘Arabian Nights’ come to Main Campus |
| By
Shannon Wermer |
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Nov 13, 2008
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Experience the tales of 1,001 nights. “The Arabian Nights” will open Friday, Nov. 14, in the Center for Performing Arts Center Theatre on Main Campus.
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| Ernest Green is Shahryar in UT's production of "The Arabian Nights." |
The UT Department of Theatre and Film will continue Mary Zimmerman’s play Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 15-16, and Wednesday through Sunday, Nov. 19-23.
According to Irene Alby, UT lecturer in theatre and director of the play, this production has been interesting to work on because all the actors play a multitude of roles that require a large emotional range and the ability to transform from one character to the next within seconds.
“The play also requires a lot of imaginative staging, live music, singing and dance elements because there are many stories that range from the farcical such as ‘The Historic Fart’ to tragic love stories such as ‘Aziz and Azizah.’”
In “The Arabian Nights,” the character of Scheherazade embodies the “universal storyteller,” who heals Shahryar, a king who has lost his way, by telling him stories over a period of 1,001 nights. The ancient collection of stories represents a journey to get back in touch with the soul.
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| Katie Rediger plays Scheherazade in UT's production of “The Arabian Nights.” |
“Storytelling is an extremely ancient and important tradition that is found in every culture worldwide,” Alby said. “Interestingly, many of these stories contain similar themes, characters and symbols. These archetypes are a window into the collective unconsciousness of humanity.”
One of the more challenging aspects, according to Alby, is to find ways to depict everything from flying genies and tortoises transforming themselves into princesses to deeply poetic segments written in verse to soul searching all in the span of a few seconds.
“The actors are doing a great job and through the use of disciplined choreographed movement that allows the imagination to roam, I think we are creating a memorable show that will take the audience on Shahryar's journey back to his heart and his soul,” Alby said.
Cast members include UT students Katie Rediger as Scheherazade, Ernest Green as Shahryar, Margaret Lute as Dunyazade, Katie Litzer as Perfect Love, Betsy Yeary as Sympathy the Learned, Gordon James as Harun Al-Rashid and Mark Schriefer as Madman.
Curtain time will be 7:30 p.m. for all performances except for Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $13; $11 for faculty, staff, alumni and seniors; and $9 for students. They can be purchased online at www.utoledo.edu/boxoffice, at the box office prior to the shows or by calling 419.530.2375.
A special dinner and a show will be offered Saturday, Nov. 15. Tickets are $40 per person, $35 per person if more than one ticket is purchased. Patrons will be transported from the Center for Performing Arts to Phoenicia’s for a private Arabian-style dinner, including beverage and dessert. A cash bar will be available. After dinner, patrons will be returned to the theatre for the show.
For tickets or more information, visit the UT Department of Theatre and Film at
www.utoledo.edu/as/theatrefilm.
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