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10.08.09

Contacts: Out of Hand Theater, Kathleen Donahoe, kathleen@outofhandtheater.com, 315-491-4396; Emory College Center for Creativity & Arts, Sally Corbett, sacorbe@emory.edu, 404-727-6678           

THEATER EMORY AND OUT OF HAND THEATER PRESENT “HOMINID” BY OUT OF HAND THEATER AND KEN WEITZMAN

“A beloved leader overthrown, a utopian community rocked by bloodshed and greed”

On a small island in Holland, a modern day Macbeth unfolds — a beloved leader overthrown, a utopian community rocked by bloodshed and greed. The world looks on in shock. But who's watching whom? "Hominid," based on a true story, will be presented November 12-22, 2009, in the Mary Gray Munroe Theater on the Emory University campus. Tickets are $6-$18 and can be purchased by calling 404-727-5050 or online at www.arts.emory.edu.

Our definition of what it means to be human is changing, and the research leading to this new reality is coming out of Atlanta where world-famous primatologist and bestselling author Frans de Waal, PhD, is based. Scientists agree humans are approximately 2% genetically different from chimpanzees. Researchers have recently proven these great apes remember, plan, learn, have cultures that vary from group to group and maintain complicated, volatile political structures. De Waal's team is proving that apes demonstrate empathy and kindness, too, and that they have a sense of fairness and justice. So what separates humans from other animals? If we're no longer distinguished by reason and morality, what makes us special?  What kind of animals are we?

"In 'Hominid', we get to look at people as apes and look at apes as people. It's amazing how like us they are, and how much of what we do and think isn't unique at all, it's just part of being an ape," says director Ariel de Man. "Working with Frans de Waal is incredible. Rarely do we get to be in the same room with minds of his caliber, with someone who's literally changing our perceptions of what it means to be human."

"Hominid" mixes de Waal's research with Dutch filmmaker Bert Haanstra's documentary "The Family of Chimps" and a true story of murder and suicide in the largest chimpanzee colony in captivity to shed light on the human ape. "Hominid" is based on Chimpanzee Politics by Dr. de Waal, director of the Living Links Center at the Yerkes National Primate Research Center and Candler professor of psychology at Emory University.

 "Hominid" will feature Atlanta professional actors Chris Kayser, Carolyn Cook, Adam Fristoe and Matt Huff as well as an ensemble of Emory University students. The production is directed by Out of Hand Theater's Ariel de Man.  Emory faculty and staff creative contributions to the project include set and costume design by Leslie Taylor, lighting design by Scott Little and sound design by Robert Turner. "Hominid" is commissioned by and developed with the support of the Playwriting Center of Theater Emory, and sponsored in part by a grant from the Emory College Center for Creativity & Arts (www.creativity.emory.edu) through commission funding of the Creativity & the Arts Initiative of the University's Strategic Plan. This production is co-sponsored by Emory's Program in Science & Society and the Yerkes National Primate Research Center.

For tickets or reservations, call the Arts at Emory Box Office at 404-727-5050 or go online to www.arts.emory.edu.                                                          

CALENDAR LISTING:

“Hominid,” Thurs., Nov. 12–Sat., Nov. 14, 2009 and Wed., Nov. 18–Sat., Nov. 21, 2009 at 7 p.m.; Sun., Nov. 15 & Sun., Nov. 22, 2009 at 2 p.m. The Pay-What-You-Can at The Door Performance is Wed., Nov. 18. Mary Gray Munroe Theater, Dobbs University Center, 605 Asbury Circle, Atlanta, GA 30322, 404-727-5050, boxoffice@emory.edu, www.arts.emory.edu, $18; Discount Category Members $14; Emory Students $6. Purchase a Theater Emory season package and receive all 4 shows for the price of 3! Call Arts at Emory Box Office for details. Additional discounts may apply to package offers.
On a small island in Holland, a modern day Macbeth erupts — a beloved leader is overthrown, a utopian community rocked by bloodshed and greed. The world looks on in shock. But who’s watching whom? “Hominid” is based on the true story captured by primatologist Frans de Waal, Ph.D., in “Chimpanzee Politics.” Directed by Emory alumna Ariel de Man of Out of Hand Theater and co-written by Ken Weitzman. Commissioned by and developed with the support of the Playwriting Center of Theater Emory, sponsored in part by a grant from the Emory College Center for Creativity & Arts, through commission funding of the University’s Creativity & the Arts Strategic Initiative. This production is co-sponsored by Emory's Program in Science & Society and Yerkes National Primate Research Center.

Additional links about the history of the evolution projects from 2008:

Playwriting Center “Brave New Works” Involve and Evolve
Brave New Works Evolve On Stage
Evolution is Focus of Artist Commissions and Festival at Emory University During Darwin Bicentennial in Feb. 2009

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