Behold the Spectacle of 'Dancing at Lughnasa'
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 1, 2014) – The University of Kentucky Department of Theatre and Dance kicks of its season with its opening production of "Dancing at Lughnasa." Shows will be held at 7:30 p.m., Oct. 2-4 and 9-11, and 2 p.m., Oct. 5 and 12, in the Guignol Theatre in the Fine Arts Building.
“People should come see 'Dancing at Lughnasa' because it’s a beautifully written theatrical piece loaded with spectacle,” said Peter Stone, director of the production and visiting professor at UK. "It's everything theatre should be, but often is not.”
This bittersweet drama by Brian Friel won the 1992 Tony Award for best play and is widely regarded as Friel’s masterpiece. The story is set in the fictitious town of Ballybeg, Ireland, in a cozy family cottage. Michael Evans narrates as he recalls his childhood in the late summer of 1936 that he spent preparing for the harvest festival with his young mother and four aunts. The family is reunited with their peculiar uncle and receives an unexpected visit from Evans' estranged father. It was during this summer that the family grew, struggled and danced on the threshold of transformation.
“[The show’s] themes are very relevant to family issues that many people unfortunately face today. The play focuses on themes of unemployment, poverty and religious repression. Michael's oldest aunt, Kate, is the backbone of the family. We witness her constant effort to keep her family and country from changing. owever, this Irish family must inevitably reap a bitter harvest of their past actions,” said Stone.
Tickets are $10 for students and $15 for general admission. Tickets can be purchased by calling 859-257-4929, by visiting www.scfatickets.com, or in person at the ticket office.
The UK Department of Theatre and Dance at UK College of Fine Arts has played an active role in the performance scene in Central Kentucky for more than 100 years. Students in the program get hands-on training and one-on-one mentorship from a renowned professional theatre faculty. The liberal arts focus of their bachelor's degree program is coupled with ongoing career counseling to ensure a successful transition from campus to professional life.
MEDIA CONTACT: Whitney Hale, 859-257-8716; whitney.hale@uky.edu