UT presents 'journey to wisdom' in 'Metamorphoses'

A scene from "Metamorphoses" at the University of Toledo.

A pool will take center stage this weekend as the University of Toledo Department of Theatre & Film presents Mary Zimmerman's Metamorphoses.

"Metamorphoses refers to the transformation of the world, of creation, and also of humanity," said director Irene Alby. "These stories are myths that are supposed to help humanity obtain wisdom."

Zimmerman's play is based on Ovid's Metamorphoses, a collection of Greco-Roman myths of transformation that are linked together. It won the 2002 Tony Award for Best Direction of a Play.

"It deals with this path to wisdom and love in all its forms; transcendent, love of one another, and passionate love. It really is about a journey to wisdom through love," Alby said.

"I've created a framework by taking the very first woman who speaks... The pool symbolizes the unconscious and the womb. This pregnant, mortal woman is searching for insight because birth can be dangerous. If you allow yourself to let go and trust your body it's a journey to wisdom."

Daniel Thobias and T.J. Gerckens, UT faculty members, are providing guidance for this show and have worked with Zimmerman on previous productions of Metamorphoses. Gerckens is working with Zimmerman now in Chicago with a revival of the show.

A talk-back with the director, actors, and some of the design team will follow the opening night performance.

"Metamorphoses" will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the University of Toledo Center for Performing Arts Center Theatre. Additional performances are at 2 p.m. Sunday and Dec. 2 and 7:30 p.m. Nov. 28-Dec. 1. Weekday matinees are at 9:30 a.m. Nov. 27 and Nov. 28. Tickets are $12 for the public, $10 for faculty, staff, seniors, and alumni, and $7 for students. Information: 419-530-2375 or utoledo.edu/BoxOffice. Weekday matinee tickets are $7.

Holiday Hoopla

SANDUSKY -- The Sandusky State Theatre is teaming with Ohio Veteran's Home Sunday to present Holiday Madcap Claus for a Cause.

Local talent, veterans, and bands will ring in the holidays with singing and dancing while raising money for several children's charities in an effort to brighten the season for those in need in Erie County. Items will be up for grabs in a silent auction.

Holiday Madcap Claus for a Cause will be at 3 p.m. Sunday in the Sandusky State Theatre, 107 Columbus Ave., Sandusky. Tickets are $10. Children are admitted free when accompanied by an adult. Information: 419-626-1950 or sanduskystate.com.

Seven Farces

Owens Community College Fine and Performing Arts Department will present this weekend Seven Short Farces by Anton Chekhov.

Students and community members will perform these short comedies beginning with everyday situations that transform into chaotic adventures. The plays include The Bear, The Proposal, and The Festivities.

"Seven Short Farces by Anton Chekhov" will be performed at 7:30 p.m. today, Friday, and Saturday and at 3 p.m. Sunday in Owens Community College Center for Fine and Performing Arts Mainstage Theatre, 30335 Oregon Rd., Perrysburg. Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for students, faculty, and staff. Information: 567-661-2787 or www.owens.edu/arts.

Heartfelt Reflections

Spoken presentations, music, and art will bring to life the reflections of Pope John Paul 11 Saturday when the Franciscan Center hosts Fill These Hearts.

Christopher West, an author, speaker, and teacher, will use humor, everyday experiences, and cultural and philosophical refection to share the themes of the late Pope's Theology of the Body.

"Fill These Hearts" will be presented at 7 p.m. Saturday in the Lourdes University Franciscan Center Theater, 6832 Convent Blvd., Sylvania. Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for students and military, and $15 for groups of 10 or more. Information: 419-824-3999.

Send theater items at least two weeks in advance to jnjaim@theblade.com.