The Balch Arena Theater and Cohen Auditorium are among the busiest locations on campus, all due to the creative efforts of both the drama department and various student-run performance groups. This semester will be no different, with scheduled productions ranging from Greek tragedies to timeless musicals. Here's a quick glance at each of the upcoming productions:
Crazed Women (The Bakkhai of Euripides)
Translated and Directed by: Laurence Senelick
When: Feb. 15-17 and Feb. 22-24, 2001
The drama department opens its Spring 2001 season with this classic Greek tragedy. The play explores atheism through the arrival of the Son of God and the messages he brings to the mortals. Although he is fervently embraced by a group of women, the authorities seek to put an end to what they believe are his insurgent teachings. This, of course, is easier said than done, and the conflict leaves the town forever changed.
The Vagina Monologues
Written by: Eve Ensler
When: Feb. 18, 2001
The theatre community has been buzzing about The Vagina Monologues since its Off-Broadway debut in 1999. This semester, the controversial yet comedic production comes to Tufts for a day. The play consists of a series of interviews with a diverse group of women concerning their vaginas. The result is a new outlook on both life and the world that surrounds us - thanks to women who, rather than keeping quiet, raised their voices, made some noise, and let everyone know what it means to be female.
On The Verge
Written by: Eric Overmyer
Directed by: Paula T. Alekson
When: Mar. 8-9, 2001
Pen, Paint, and Pretzels, Tufts' all-encompassing theater group, is out to tickle your funny bone and stimulate your brain cells this semester. Overmyer has been hailed as a brilliant playwright, and On The Verge is one of the greatest examples of his talent. In this play, the audience witnesses the journey of three Victorian women through jungles, space, and time. They conquer every hardship and survive every bump in the road, making the audience laugh along the way.
West Side Story
Music and Lyrics by: Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim
Directed by: Kalinda Vazquez
When: Apr. 12-14
West Side Story is perhaps one of the most cherished and familiar of modern love stories, thanks to countless performances of the musical and the ever-popular movie version released in 1961. Torn Ticket II brings this modern adaptation of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet set in 1950s New York City to life. With gang rivalry, fated love, and Bernstein's magical music, West Side Story has a little something for everyone.
Tales of the Lost Formicans
Written by: Constance Congdon
Directed by: Barbara W. Grossman
When: April 17-22, 2001
Spring 2001 will go out with a bang when local talent comes to Tufts with this drama department production. An awarding-winning Massachusetts playwright, Congdon uses a blend of sci-fi and dark comedy to bring to life the nature of modern American angst. Aliens, the American dream, and family crisis collide in a way that will ultimately force you to question the meaning and importance of your own life yet still make you laugh along the way.
What about everyone's favorite children's theatre group, Traveling Treasure Trunk? In addition to making its usual rounds at local hospitals and schools, you'll be able to find the group at the Leonard Carmichael Society's "Faculty Waits on You" dinner on Feb. 21 and "Kid's Day" on Apr. 7. A spring break road trip is in the works, and keep an eye out for the group's end-of-semester on-campus show in April or May.
