Production poster for “Metamorphoses”
Theater at EMU is giving six performances of its fall production, “Metamorphoses,” 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 6-8 and Nov. 13-15, in the mainstage theater of the University Commons.
The Nov. 8 performance is part of a special “arts night” at EMU and will begin at 8:30 p.m.
Based on Ovid’s transformation myths, “Metamorphoses,” written and originally directed by Mary Zimmerman, mixes the ancient stories with contemporary language, humor, music and thought. Much of the action centers around a large pool of water that evokes natural and emotional turbulence, and the ensemble cast of actors create the illusion that it is as deep as the sea. Characters melt into this pool, and galleons are destroyed by storms. Timeless themes emerge, including the inevitability of change and the human ability to adapt to change.
Characters melt into this pool, and galleons are destroyed by storms. Timeless themes emerge, including the inevitability of change and the human ability to adapt to change.
Ingrid De Sanctis, assistant professor of theater at EMU, directs an 11-member cast in the critically-acclaimed play, which ran on Broadway in 2002 and earned a Tony award for director Mary Zimmerman.
Stage managers are Susan Alexander and Allison Turman; Phil Grayson is set designer and lighting design is by David Vogel.
“Zimmerman’s play has been called piercingly beautiful, and the ensemble cast of EMU students bring an elegance and honesty to these stories,” said De Sanctis. “In this constantly changing world, ‘Metamorphosis’ and its ancient myths of change remind me of the beauty in transformation. You won’t want to miss it,” she added.
The play runs 90 minutes with no intermission.
Tickets are $10/12 for adults, $8/10 for non-EMU students and senior citizens at the door. Advance tickets are available from the EMU box office, 540-432-4582. Information regarding age appropriateness is also available through the box office.