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LAWRENCE -- "Iphigenia at Aulis," the opening production in the Inge Theatre Series at the University of Kansas last fall, has been selected for the Region V Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, Jan. 21 through 26 at the University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls. The drama will be staged in its original alley setting in the Bertha Martin Theatre at UNI for six performances Jan. 24 and 25.
Euripides' tragedy, which was translated by Elaine Terranova, is directed by Sara K. Armstrong, Cushing, Okla., graduate student, who also designed costumes and sound for the production. Scenic designer is Emily Elder, Eudora senior; lighting designer is Brian Diltz, Lenexa senior; and choreography is by Ashley Lafond, Lawrence junior, and Hannah Ballou, Topeka senior. The play originally was staged at KU Oct. 24 through Nov. 2.
To defend the honor of your country, what sacrifices would you make? That is the question posed in the classic drama, which examines the human cost of war. When a father must choose between his daughter's life and his country's battles, it is a choice that pits husband against wife, child against father and brother against brother.
Written more than 2,000 years ago, "Iphigenia at Aulis" poses questions about the nature and necessity of war, Armstrong said, which "sadly, are still very much relevant in today's society."
The University Theatre is entering eight productions in the KCACTF this year, either as participating or associate entries. Only participating entries are eligible for selection for the regional festival. For each production entered, two to three cast members are selected for the Irene Ryan Acting Competition by the KCACTF respondent viewing the production and the director of the show.
Ten KU theatre students are competing in the Irene Ryan Competition in Iowa:
• "The Two Gentlemen of Verona": Mo Perry, Eden Prairie, Minn., senior, and Christopher Wheatley, Lawrence junior.
• "Iphigenia at Aulis": Joe Boothe, Overland Park senior; Megan Carter, Overland Park sophomore; and Allison Gabbard, Topeka senior.
• "Where to, Turelu?": Julia Hardin, Lawrence junior; Joe Plese, Overland Park senior; and Bobby Sloan, Great Bend junior.
• "You Never Can Tell": Matt Greer, Tulsa, Okla., junior, and Kelly Mengelkoch, Wichita senior.
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