Purdue News

January 25, 2002 Shakespearean expert to serve as 'Tempest' guest director WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – A native Englishman who has made a career of directing Shakespearean plays will bring his experience to Purdue Theatre's production of "The Tempest," which takes the stage Feb. 15-17 and Feb. 22-24 in Stewart Center's Loeb Playhouse. Mervyn Willis began directing Shakespearean plays as artistic director of the New Shakespeare Company, Open-Air Theatre, Regent's Park, London. He is founding artistic director of the Todd Theatre Troupe; LaMaMa ETC., New York City; and the International Theatre Program at the University of Rochester. His directing credits include the York Festival, U.K.; John Houseman Acting Company and the Julliard School in New York City; and the Alley Theatre in Houston. Willis is currently completing a Fulbright Fellowship with VGIK (All Russian State Institute of Cinematography). In January 2003, he will make a film on William Shakespeare and Boris Pasternak in Moscow. Elements of tragedy and romantic comedy combine in "The Tempest," which unfolds as a series of spectacles mixing reality and fantasy on deposed Duke Prospero's island. A multisensory theater experience, sound and music complement the exotic sights and lyrical text Showtimes are at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are $12 and $14 for the general public, $8 and $10 for students and senior citizens. Additional box office processing fees apply. Tickets may be purchased at the Loeb Box Office, Stewart Center, or by calling (765) 494-3933. Out-of-town calls can be placed toll-free at (800) 914-SHOW. "The Tempest" is presented with support from the Tippecanoe Arts Federation, the Indiana Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts. CONTACT: Lori Sparger, Purdue Theatre marketing director, (765) 494-3084, theatre@purdue.edu. NOTE TO JOURNALISTS: Mervyn Willis will be available for interviews. To make arrangements, contact Lori Sparger at (765) 494-3084. Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu To the Purdue News and Photos Page