The Department of Theatre and Dance ushers in the haunting season with “The Land Beyond the Forest: Dracula” and “SWOOP,” two vampire plays by Mac Wellman, Friday, Oct. 2-Sunday, Oct. 11, in the Carlisle Performance Space. The plays feature the Tricklock Company, UNM’s theatre company in residence, and are directed by the theatre department’s new Head of Performance Bill Walters.
“Dracula” is an adaptation of Bram Stoker’s classic novel that veers wildly into new vampire territory. Using Wellman’s wickedly clever language, the Tricklock Company and an ensemble of UNM students create a nightmarish world of music, madness, blood and lust.
“Dracula” is paired with “SWOOP,” where seven miles above the streets of Manhattan, vampires circle over the metropolis, seeking prey and reminiscing about their long past and all things vampiric. The New York Times writes, “Wellman’s text swings through the centuries, culling catalogues of words and images that suggest a varied dust heap of cultural detritus, with particular emphasis on the relationship of the Victorian era and our own.”
Walters is an associate professor of acting, directing and movement. He has taught at Yale University, University of Wisconsin, Tulane University and Hunter College and worked professionally in theater and film internationally. He holds black belts in Tai Chi, Chi Gong and Kung Fu and is certified by both the American and British Societies of Fight Directors. Walters’ interests lie in interdisciplinary performance for the stage and screen.
The performances include music by Bill Clark, scenic design by Christopher Sousa-Wynn, costume design by Dorothy Baca, and lighting design by William Liotta.
Both plays include adult language and content.
Tickets are $15 general, $10 faculty and seniors, or $8 staff and students and are available at UNM Ticket Offices, (505) 925-5858 or unmtickets.com.
Other fall productions of the Department of Theatre and Dance include “Marat/Sade” at the Experimental Theatre Oct. 22-Nov. 1; “Dancing On,” a concert of UNM dance alumni choreographers Oct. 23-24 in the South Arena, Carlisle Gym; Shakespeare’s “Cymbeline” at the Experimental Theatre Nov. 5-Dec. 6; “Rent” at Rodey Theatre Nov. 20-Dec. 6; and “Leverage,” a student choreography showcase Dec. 4-6 in the South Arena, Carlisle Gym. Visit theatre.unm.edu or call (505) 277-4332.
Story by Kathleen Clawson
Media Contact: Sari Krosinsky, (505) 277-1593; e-mail: michal@unm.edu
Posted by scarr at September 30, 2009 08:52 AM