Those who attend the University of Kansas Department of Theatre & Dance spring season opener will experience a one-of-a-kind performance.
During the fall semester, KU students collaborated with their professors to choose the order and setting of more than 50 scenes for “Love and Information,” by Caryl Churchill, according to a news release from KU.
“The scenes explore the intersections of belief, knowledge and the search for community,” according to the release. “All cast members, as well as some of the creative team members, took the course, which has now morphed into a fully produced production.”
The play has been lauded for its poetic language, according to the release, and it is highly unlikely that any two productions of the play will be alike.
“Among the questions the play asks: How do we know what we know? How do we love without support? Whose truth is the truth in any given relationship?” according to the release. “With its fast-moving sequence of scenes, ‘Love and Information’ may feel a little like being part of a social media community, where one sees quick slices of life go by.”
Jane Barnette (pictured at left below), associate professor of theatre, is directing the production alongside James Moreno (pictured at right), associate professor of dance.
“Our course included dramaturgy and scene analysis as well as movement workshops and storyboarding,” Barnette said in the release. “This is an exceptional group of students, representing not just theatre and dance but other majors as well.”
Read more about the production and see the full cast and crew list at this link.
Evening performances are set for 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9; Saturday, Feb. 11; Friday, Feb. 17; and Saturday, Feb. 18. Matinees are set for 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 12 and 19. All shows will take place in the William Inge Memorial Theatre at Murphy Hall.
“Join us for the Department’s first production to feature an ensemble forged between theatre and dance and witness a kaleidoscope of encounters that investigate how humans create meaning and purpose.”
In addition, two talkbacks are scheduled, according to the release: “A discussion about the show’s scenography, featuring the designers, will follow the performance Feb. 11 in 341 Murphy Hall. A discussion with the cast will follow the performance Feb. 18 in the Inge Theatre.”
Tickets, which cost $10 to $20, can be reserved at this link, by calling 785-864-3982, or in person from noon to 5 p.m. on weekdays at the box office in Murphy Hall, 1530 Naismith Drive. Masks are recommended but not required.
The 2022-23 season will wrap with “Cabaret,” coming up in April.
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