The University of Akron Theatre Program presents the premiere of "The BACCHAE 2012" with eight performances in November at Sandefur Theatre in Guzzetta Hall, 139 Buchtel Ave.
UA students Alex Funk, left, as Dionysos, Avery McCullough as Pentheus, and Rosilyn Jentner as Agave.
Directed by UA Theatre Professor James Slowiak, performances are Nov. 1-3 and Nov. 7-10 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 4 at 2 p.m. Slowiak is the recipient of the 2011 Outstanding Artist in Theatre Award from the Akron Area Alliance.
"The BACCHAE 2012" is based on Charles Mee's adaptation of the Greek tragedy by Euripides. The play spins a tale of indulgence, insanity, violence and revenge orchestrated by Dionysus, the god of wine and madness. In this production, audience members will be invited to sit around a communion table and partake in soup and beverages as the tragedy plays out.
Each show will be followed by a discussion featuring UA faculty speakers Cydney Spohn, dance; Donna Webb, art; Pat Hill, communication; Kathy Feltey, sociology; and Bill Lyons, political science.
"The BACCHAE 2012" is the finale of the UA Theatre Program's Dionysos Project, a three-year exploration of the Dionysus myth. Last year's "The Great God Brown" and 2010's "A Mouthful of Birds" were the first two performances in this project.
Tickets for "The BACCHAE 2012" are $12 general admission; $10 for seniors and UA faculty, staff and alumni; and $6 for students. Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more. The production features mature content and may not be suitable for younger audiences.
For more information, call 330-972-7895 or visit the School of Dance, Theatre and Arts Administration.
Media contact: Cyndee Snider, 330-972-5196 or cyndee@uakron.edu.