KU News Release

Sept. 24, 2007
Contact: Charla Jenkins, University Theatre, (785) 864-2684.

University Theatre to stage Irish drama ‘Translations’

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas Department of Theatre and Film and University Theatre will present Brian Friel’s Irish drama “Translations” at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 5-6 and 18-20 and at 2:30 p.m. Oct. 7 in the Crafton-Preyer Theatre in Murphy Hall. Kip Niven of Leawood, a 1968 KU theatre alumnus, is the guest star, portraying Hugh in the production.

“Translations,” first performed at the Guildhall in Derry, Northern Ireland, in September 1980, was the first production by the Field Day Theatre Company, founded by Friel and actor Stephen Rea from “The Crying Game.” The play had two major New York productions: off Broadway in 1981 and on Broadway in 1995. In January 2007, a Broadway revival mounted as a co-production of Manhattan Theatre Club and New Jersey’s McCarter Theatre Center, received three Tony Award nominations.

The KU production is directed by Doug Weaver, a KU theatre alumnus and director of theatrical arts at Bishop Seabury Academy in Lawrence. Scenic and costume design is by Nicholas Kostner, a master’s degree student from Murdock, and lighting design is by Robert Figueira, a senior from Lawrence. Diction coach is Paul Meier, professor of theatre and film.

A quiet ensemble drama set in rural Ireland in 1833, “Translations” explores the troubled lives of characters struggling to adjust to the shifting dynamics of the world around them, as the hard fist of British regulation seeks to impose itself on local tradition.

“As the villagers face the arrival of British military engineers sent to map the area and rename its places, the presence of these outsiders forces them to confront a changing and uncertain future, and under this shadow, a romance between a soldier and a village girl begins,” Weaver said. “The hardest thing about the play is that it is so obviously a political play, but it really is a love story.”

He said the play is a moving reflection on Irish history, community, colonialism, identity and the power of language.

“Everyone in the play has a love, usually unrequited, that fills their days and drives their needs,” said Weaver. “But it’s sometimes hard to remember that when the English and the Irish are blasting away at each other.”

Guest star Niven has been working in professional theatre, film, television and radio for nearly 40 years. On Broadway he appeared in such productions as “Annie Warbucks,” “Nick & Nora” and “Chess.” He has performed in regional theatres across the United States, including the New Theatre in Overland Park and American Heartland Theatre, Starlight Theatre, Missouri Repertory Theatre and Coterie Theatre in Kansas City, Mo. His feature film credits include “In Cold Blood,” “Magnum Force” and “Midway,” and his television credits include “Return to Lonesome Dove,” “Walton’s Mountain” and appearances in such series as “Walker, Texas Ranger,” “Law & Order” and “Kate and Allie.” Niven is in his 12th season as a cast member for the national radio show “Right Between the Ears.” He is a founder, past president and current member of the KU Theatre and Film Professional Advisory Board and a past member of Kansas and Lawrence Film Commissions.

“Translations” is an associate entry in the 2008 Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival XXXX.

Reserved-seat tickets for “Translations” are on sale in the KU ticket offices: University Theatre, 864-3982; Lied Center, 864-ARTS; and Student Union Activities, 864-7469; and online at www.kutheatre.com. Tickets are $16 for the public, $10 for students and $15 for senior citizens and KU faculty and staff. All major credit cards are accepted for phone and online orders.

Members of the cast and crew are listed below by name, class and major, parents’ names, high school and role.

DOUGLAS COUNTY
From Lawrence 66049
Robert Figueira, senior in French and theatre design, son of Janis Harvey; Lawrence Free State High School; lighting design.

JOHNSON COUNTY
From Leawood 66224
Courtney Schweitzer, senior in theatre, daughter of Ken Schweitzer and Linda Ryan; Blue Valley High School; Bridget.

From Mission and Shawnee 66203
Hilary Kelman, senior in theatre and French, daughter of Stephanie Kelman of Shawnee and Steve Kelman of Mission; Shawnee Mission North High School; Maire.

From Olathe 66062
Cassidy Kirch, freshman in Spanish and theatre and film, daughter of Timothy Kirch; Olathe East High School; Sarah.

From Overland Park 66213
Jordy Altman, senior in theatre, son of Ron and Julie Altman; Blue Valley Northwest High School; musician.

From Overland Park 66215
Brian Patrick Ervin, senior in theatre and psychology, son of Dan and Debbie Ervin; St. Thomas Aquinas High School; Doalty.

From Overland Park 66221
Alex Haynes, senior in theatre and psychology, son of Martin Haynes and Patricia Thomas; Blue Valley Northwest High School; Jimmy Jack.

KINGMAN COUNTY
From Murdock 67111
Nicholas Kostner, master’s degree student in design, son of Tom and Sharon Kostner; Kingman High School; scenic and costume design.

LEAVENWORTH COUNTY
From Leavenworth 66048
Jonathan Foster Matteson, senior in theatre, son of Christine McNiell-Matteson and Wallace Matteson; Leavenworth High School; Owen.

SEDGWICK COUNTY
From Haysville 67060
Adam Luke, junior in theatre, son of Roland and Anna Luke; Haysville Campus High School; Captain Lancey.

MAINE
From Falmouth 01405
Carter Royce Waite, senior in theatre, son of DeDe Waite; Falmouth High School; Manus.

MISSOURI
From Kansas City 64113
Erik LaPointe, junior in theatre, son of Michelle LaPointe and Dan White; Rockhurst High School; Lieutenant Yolland.

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