Septemer 16, 2009
Classical Theatre of Harlem puts fresh spin on classic 'Waiting for Godot'
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - |
The Classical Theatre of Harlem's Production of Samuel Beckett's "Waiting for Godot," directed by Christopher McElroen, is presented by Purdue Convocations and features a fresh take on a theater classic with a unique setting in New Orleans' Ninth Ward.
The Purdue presentation includes an Oct. 8 pre-show discussion by McElroen and two post-show discussions with the company on Oct. 7 and 8.
Since its 1953 premiere, "Waiting for Godot" has been recognized as one of the most original works in modern theater and has kindled a collective fascination with an existential quest for meaning and understanding. Subtitled "a tragicomedy in two acts," the play follows two days in the lives of a pair of hapless characters who occupy themselves as they wait -- in vain -- for an acquaintance named Godot to arrive.
This critically acclaimed production by the Classical Theatre of Harlem brings fresh humor and pathos to the play, setting it in the Ninth Ward of New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina, where both emergency help and Godot seem unlikely to arrive.
Before the Oct. 8 performance, Christopher McElroen, co-founder and executive director of CTH, will discuss the company, the play and the concept behind the production's unique setting. The pre-show discussion will take place in Stewart Center room 311 and begins at 6:30 p.m.
On Oct. 7 and 8, immediately following the performances, the company will lead a discussion of their unique staging of a theater classic. The post-performance discussions are free for ticket holders.
Tickets are $28 for adults and $20 for children 18 years and younger, Purdue students and Ivy Tech Lafayette students. Tickets are available at the Elliott Hall and Stewart Center box offices at (765) 494-3933 or (800) 914-SHOW. Tickets are also available through Ticketmaster outlets. Discounted tickets for groups of 10 or more can be ordered at (765) 496-1977.
Initiated in 1902, Purdue Convocations is among the oldest collegiate professional performing arts presenters in the United States. Each year, Convocations offers the region 30 to 40 performances of widely varying genres: Broadway-style shows, theater, dance, children's theater, world music, jazz, and chamber music, along with rock, pop, country and comedy attractions. With a vision for connecting artists and audiences in artistic dialogue and for drawing in academic discourse, Purdue Convocations aims to promote frequent exposure to and familiarity with human cultural expression in a multitude of forms and media.
Source: Abby Eddy, 765-494-5045, aeeddy@purdue.edu
Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu
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'Waiting for Godot' (Photo courtesy of Paul Chan)
A publication-quality photo is available at: https://www.purdue.edu/uns/images/+2009/godot1.jpg
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