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10.10.06

Contacts: Theater Emory, Hunter Hanger, 404-712-9118, hhanger@emory.edu; Arts at Emory, Nancy Condon, 404-727-1687, nancy.condon@emory.edu

Release written by Hunter Hanger

Theater Emory’s “Spring Awakening” a Provocative, Timeless Exploration of Issues Facing Youth

Theater Emory continues its season-long focus on the joys and trials of youth with Frank Wedekind’s “Spring Awakening” (Nov. 9-19, 2006; tickets $15; $12 for discount category members). Tim McDonough, director of this production and Theater Emory’s artistic director, describes the production as being about classic themes of youth: “It is about the conflicts engendered by sexual awakening, about young perspectives on mortality, and young urges to suicide, and about rebellious, defiant impulses.” He adds, “Wedekind shows the reality of exploring how weird it can get to be young. The production should be about sex, death and rock’n’roll.” Due to its provocative content, “Spring Awakening” was considered scandalous during Wedekind’s lifetime. It still is and, until recently, could only be performed in censored versions. In his challenges to conventional morality and frank explorations of sexuality, Wedekind has earned a lasting notoriety and is thought to anticipate German Expressionism. For tickets and information, the public can call 404-727-5050 or visit www.arts.emory.edu.

The young cast of “Spring Awakening” will “collectively create a young, urgent, propulsive energy exploding onto the stage,” explains McDonough. “These young characters produce themselves, acting out roles they create or assume in accord with rules of the social game.” The cast includes professionals Park Krausen, Donald McManus, Ellen McQueen and Mark McPherson, as well as a host of Emory students.

Set and costume design are by Leslie Taylor. Sound and lighting are by Judy Zanotti, with projections by Robert J. Turner. “Spring Awakening” will be performed at the Mary Gray Munroe Theater, Dobbs University Center, 605 Asbury Cir., Emory University. Performances will be held at 7 p.m. Nov. 9-11 and 15-18 and at 2 p.m. Nov. 12 and 19 (tickets are $15, discount category members $12). The Pay-What-You-Can Performance for “Spring Awakening” is November 15. Pay-What-You-Can tickets can be purchased at the door only and are subject to availability. Advance tickets for the performance can be purchased at the regular price. Parking is available in Peavine and Fishburne Visitor parking decks. For Theater Emory information, visit www.theater.emory.edu.

PLEASE NOTE: “Spring Awakening” contains adult themes.

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NOTE: Digital photos are available upon request

THEATER EMORY

Theater Emory is the producing organization of Emory University and is affiliated with the Department of Theater Studies. It is a member of the Atlanta Coalition of Performing Arts and operates under a season agreement with Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers in the United States.

ARTS AT EMORY MISSION

Emory University provides a dynamic, multi-disciplinary environment for the study, creation and presentation of the arts.

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