LEXINGTON, Ky.—Transylvania University Theater opens its 2009-10 season of shows with Tom Stoppard’s brilliant comedy “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead,” on Thursday, November 5, in the Lucille C. Little Theater at Transylvania.
The play puts Shakespeare’s two hapless losers from “Hamlet,” at the vortex of an unpredictable universe, in which reality becomes make-believe and theatrical death becomes reality. Adding to the uncertainty is a cast of men and women exchanging roles on alternating performances. One night, men will present Shakespeare’s lines while women read Stoppard’s. The following night, the two gendered casts will switch roles.
“In rehearsal, it has really been revealing regarding way the two genders differentiate motivations, nuances in line readings and character qualities, each with equally stimulating results,” said director and drama professor Tim Soulis. “I find the whole process quite exciting and challenging for all of us.”
The comedy runs Nov. 5, 6 and 11-14 at 7:30 p.m., and Nov. 7 and 8 at 2 p.m. in the Lucille C. Little Theater. A post-performance colloquia on the play, the production and Stoppard’s theatricality will begin immediately following the matinees on Nov. 7 and 8. Tickets are $10 and may be reserved by calling the box office at (859) 281-3621. For more information, contact the fine arts office at (859) 233-8141.