Thought-provoking work at UT

11/9/2006

BY NANCIANN CHERRY
BLADE STAFF WRITER

The University of Toledo Department of Theatre and Film presents "recovery" at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Nov. 18 and 2 p.m. Nov. 19 in the Studio Theatre of the Center for Performing Arts. Tickets are $13 for the general public, $11 for seniors, UT employees and alumni, and $9 for students. Information: 419-530-2375.

As part of its season themed Facades and Masquerades, the University of Toledo Department of Theatre and Film presents recovery Tuesday through Nov. 19.

The play by Greg MacArthur is making its premiere in the United States, according to guest artist and director Stacey Christodoulou of Montreal, where she is artistic director of The Other Theatre.

recovery is the story of individuals who place themselves in recovery centers after learning that they took a pill that may or may not be addictive, Christodoulou said. The first people enter the centers voluntarily, but as the play goes on, other people are pressured to enter the centers, and finally people are simply grabbed off the streets and shipped there.

"Things start to disintegrate as people give up more of their rights because other people tell them they know better," Christodoulou said. There are strong metaphorical links to the Patriot Act and security measures put in place since the terrorist attacks of September, 2001.

"It says a lot about passivity. If you don't take responsibility for your decisions, other people will make them for you," said Christodoulou, who will be directing the premiere of the French version of the play in Montreal after she leaves UT.

"American audiences, I believe, will find the play pertinent," Christodoulou said.

Despite the theme, recovery is not a dour production, she said. There's lots of music and moving around, giving audiences (adults only, please) as much to look at as they get to ponder.

Also exploring the social issues inspired by MacArthur's play, film students have compiled video and film clips and art students have come up with ways for the audience members to participate in the experience instead of merely observing it. The video and art installation in the Center for Performing Arts opens an hour before each production and during the intermission.

•The University of Findlay theater program is producing 1984, based on George Orwell's book about censorship and the loss of personal freedom, through Sunday in the John and Hester Powell Grimm Theatre on the Findlay campus. Performances are at 8 p.m. today-Saturday and 6 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and nonuniversity students. UF faculty, staff members, and students get in free. Information: 419-434-5335.

•Junie B. Jones, based on the books by Barbara Parks, will be presented Tuesday and Wednesday as part of the Theater Vision program for schools at the Franciscan Theatre & Conference Center of Lourdes College. Theatreworks/USA interprets Junie's challenges as she tackles first grade, adjusts to a new group of friends, and gets glasses.

The show is aimed at students in grades 1-4, and the public is welcome to attend if space is available. Performances are scheduled at 10 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. both days. Tickets are $7. Information: 419-824-3986.

Contact Nanciann Cherry at: ncherry@theblade.com

or 419-724-6130.