"The School of Drama has a rich history of training artists to use the power of their art—to raise their collective voices in order that the world might be changed for the better in some way. I am a director who believes that theatre’s fundamental function is to bring us into community. So, once we decided to do this piece, it became clear to me that we needed to include people from the School’s entire community." –Professor Valerie Curtis-Newton, director of The Cradle Will Rock
Join Professor Curtis-Newton, current students, alumni, faculty, and members of the Seattle theatre community who have come together to open the main stage production season of our 75th Anniversary. Opening night of The Cradle Will Rock is Friday, October 30. We look forward to seeing you there!
Pictured above: Aaron Francis Cammack, Jeffrey Fracé, and AJ Friday. Photo by Mike Hipple.
We launch our season with Marc Blitzstein’s infamous musical, a biting critique of corruption, unrestrained capitalism, and income inequality as relevant today as it was in 1937. Set in “Steeltown, USA,” the story follows the efforts of Larry Foreman to unionize local workers and combat wicked, greedy businessman Mr. Mister, who controls the town's factory, press, church, and social organizations.
The Cradle Will Rock kicks-off our anniversary season and features a cast of current students, faculty, and alumni.
The Cradle Will Rock
by Marc Blitzstein
directed by Valerie Curtis-Newton
Oct 30 thru Nov 8 (previews Oct 28 & 29)
7:30 PM
Jones Playhouse
The daughter of a powerful war hero and a murdering queen, Electra can think of nothing but revenge for her father's brutal murder. When her brother returns from exile, the siblings enter into the cycle of violence that has plagued their family for generations. Sophocles' haunting tragedy of love and murder, as relevant today as it was 2,000 years ago in this fierce adaptation, explores what happens when we become obsessed with vengeance at all costs.
Sophocles' Electra
by Frank McGuinness
directed by Rachel Perlot
Oct 22 thru Nov 1
7:30 PM
Cabaret Theatre
The UW School of Drama PhD program hosts a symposium examining the founding visions of our city’s theatres.
Monday, November 2
7:30 PM
Jones Playhouse
Presentations by current PhD students include:
UW School of Drama—Monica Cortes Viharo
The Mountaineers Players—Robert Wighs
Alice B. Theatre—Jay Eckard
Following the presentations, the symposium will continue with a panel moderated by Seattle Times theatre critic, Misha Berson. Panelists will include Marya Sea Kaminski, Desdemona Chiang, Andrew McMasters, and Myra Platt.
Small bites and drinks provided. RSVP requested.
Questions? Please contact Katrina Ernst at katrinae@uw.edu or 206-685-0600.
Our free reading series, in partnership with One Coast Collaboration and UW World Series, continues with an evening honoring Seattle Group Theatre. William Hall, Jr. (founding member) and AJ Friday (current PATP student) will read Sizwe Banzi Is Dead by Athol Fugard. Former artistic director Timothy Bond (MFA '83) will be in attendance.
Lost & Founded: Seattle Group Theatre
Monday, November 9 at 7:30 PM
Meany Studio Theatre
RSVP requested
A reception will follow the reading. Questions? Please contact Katrina Ernst at katrinae@uw.edu or 206-685-0600.
Christine Tschirgi (MFA 2007) designed the costumes for and Yesenia Iglesias (PATP 2014) plays Yaz in Water By the Spoonful, produced by Theatre22 and opening October 23 at West of Lenin.
Leslie Swackhamer (MFA '90) was awarded the prize for Best Director at the Houston Press 2015 Theatre Awards for her production of David Adjmi’s pop-bio Marie Antoinette.
Marya Sea Kiminski (PATP 2004), Lynn Shelton (BA 1987), Jennifer Zeyl (MFA 2003), and Valerie Curtis-Newton (MFA 1996 and faculty) are included in the exhibition Genius / 21 Century / Seattle at the Frye Art Museum, on view through January 10.
Geoff Korf (faculty) and Jennifer Lupton (MFA 1980) are part of the design team that took Seattle Children's Theatre's production of Robin Hood to New Victory Theater in New York.
Ada Limón (BA 1998) made the National Book Award poetry longlist for her collection Bright Dead...
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