September 20, 2012
The University of Texas at Austin Department of Theatre and Dance’s upcoming production of The Scarlet Letter was named by the Austin Chronicle's arts critics as one of their top fall season picks. Written by Michener Fellow Sarah Saltwick and directed by Steven Wilson, the world premiere brings Nathaniel Hawthorne’s timeless tale to the B. Iden Payne stage November 16 though December 7. Calling Saltwick “one of Austin's brightest rising young playwrights,” Austin Chronicle writer Dan Solomon shares “it'll be very exciting to see her interpretation of a classic work…that deals with the themes she's explored in her earlier material.”
The Scarlet Letter is accompanied this season by equally ambitious and bold works. In the coming months, the Department of Theatre and Dance presents dramatic storytelling by two Pulitzer Prize-acclaimed playwrights, two world premieres, a bold adaptation of a cherished classic, and enthralling dance by nationally renowned choreographers.
Tickets for The Scarlet Letter and other Department of Theatre and Dance productions are on sale now at authorized ticket outlets, which include the Bass Concert Hall Box Office, most H-E-B stores and all Texas Box Office outlets, online at jointhedrama.org, or by calling (512) 477-6060 or (800) 982-BEVO (2386).
THE FALL 2012 PRODUCTIONS AND ENGAGEMENT EVENTS
The Cataract
By Lisa D’Amour
Directed by Will Davis
October 19 – 28
Set in Minneapolis in 1883, this poetic drama explores one week in the lives of Cyrus and Lottie Finch, a stalwart couple who take in two vagabond lovers from the South. The unlikely pairs’ intersection unearths their deep-seated desires – ones which they fight to keep buried.
Related Outreach Events
“I think they are talking about us”: Engaging The Cataract
October 24 (immediately following the 8:00 p.m. performance)
B. Iden Payne Theatre
Audience members are invited to an evening of intersectional dialogue, placing theory and practice in concert with one another through the lens of The Cataract. Join us as we investigate a variety of themes and directorial approaches – from Noh theatre to Victorian’s obsession with flowers and futurism.
Unearthing The Cataract: A Conversation with Lisa D’Amour and Will Davis
October 28 (immediately following the 2:00 p.m. performance)
B. Iden Payne Theatre
An intimate post-performance talk with playwright Lisa D’Amour and director Will Davis. Lisa D’Amour is a Pulitzer Prize nominated playwright and an alumna of The University of Texas at Austin. Her acclaimed play Detroit (Pulitzer Prize in Drama finalist) was recently produced at Steppenwolf Theatre Company and London’s Royal National Theatre.
The Scarlet Letter
Adapted by Sarah Saltwick
Based on the novel by Nathaniel Hawthorne
Directed by Steven Wilson
November 16 – December 7
Sin. Guilt. Judgment. Love.
Hester Prynne comes to the stage in this world premiere reimagining of Hawthorne’s classic tale.
Related Outreach Event
“A” is for ______: Filling in the Blanks and Leaving Empty Spaces in The Scarlet Letter
November 18 and December 2 (immediately following the 2:00 p.m. performances)
B. Iden Payne Theatre
Join the playwright Sarah Saltwick, director Steven Wilson, and members of the cast, and explore the process of bringing this cherished novel to the stage in Sarah Saltwick’s new adaptation.
Fall For Dance
November 17 – December 1
Artistic Directors David Justin and Charles O. Anderson
The award-winning ensemble Dance Repertory Theatre returns to the stage in Fall For Dance, a collection of vibrant and compelling works by nationally renowned choreographers, including Robert Battle and David Parsons.
Learn more about the season by visiting jointhedrama.org