KU News Release

March 17, 2008
Contact: Charla Jenkins, University Theatre, (785) 864-8858.

KU students serve as directors for upcoming performances

LAWRENCE — Two seniors at the University of Kansas are directing plays as part of the 2008 Undergraduate Student One-Act Projects, presented by University Theatre and TCK Trust and Financial Advisors.

“The Bald Soprano” by Eugene Ionesco and “Linguish” by Edward Einhorn will be performed at 7:30 p.m. April 3, 4, 8, 9, 10 and 11; 5 p.m. April 5 and 12; and 2:30 p.m. April 6 in the William Inge Memorial Theatre in Murphy Hall.

Dale Lee Buchheister of Manhattan is directing “The Bald Soprano,” and Kate Giessel of Larned is directing “Linguish.” Scenic designer for both plays is Tyler Stock, Summerfield senior; lighting designer is Ann Sitzman, Prairie Village junior; costume designers are Christy Artzer, Wamego senior, for “The Bald Soprano” and Erin Juliff, Lenexa senior, for “Linguish.”

“The Bald Soprano” was first performed in 1950 and is considered by many to be the first piece of absurdist theater, Buchheister said. Ionesco wrote the comedy after trying to learn English from a French-English language tape — the repetition of which diluted the most common expressions into meaninglessness.

Set in a living room in a suburb of London, the play centers around three sets of couples (the Smiths, the Martins, Mary the Maid and the Fire Chief) that interact, interfere and influence each others lives through language and its misinterpretations.

“Through the Smiths, we see a de-evolution of relationship and the archetypal ‘English couple’ brought on by the introduction of the Martins via Mary,” Buchheister said. “The Martins are evolving throughout into the ‘English couple’ by their interactions with the Smiths and then the others. Many people could see this play as a realistic parody on language. The play may seem absurd and manic at times, but the emotions and relationships ring true in many bizarre ways.”

Giessel said “Linguish” is a perfect play for her to direct because she is graduating in May with a double major in theatre and linguistics.

“I first encountered the play in December 2006 while my older brother and I were steadily reading our way through a stack of SEED magazines,” she said. “I came across a short article about Einhorn, who had been dubbed the ‘neuro-thespian.’ I couldn’t find a copy of the script so I e-mailed Einhorn directly to inquire about it. Within a few days, I received not only a reply from him, but also a copy of ‘Linguish’ to read.”

“Linguish,” set in a small room in which four strangers are in quarantine, looks at the disease that causes aphasia, the neurological disorder that takes away a person’s ability to use language. Although they all suffer from aphasia, their symptoms and ways they acquired them are different.

“As time passes and the disease continues to take hold of their minds, the characters learn to adapt to each other’s symptoms, find ways to communicate with their new linguistic abilities and learn to understand what’s really being said — or not said,” Giessel said. “Modern advances in neuroscience have given us many insights as to why aphasics suffer the symptoms they do, where the damage is specifically located in the brain and how to best treat those affected. Equally important in our process of understanding this fascinating and terrifying disease is the investigation of the connection between language and the creation of the self. Our identities are inextricably bound up in the words we choose and use.”

In 2006, “Linguish” was performed at NEUROfest, the first-ever theater festival dedicated to neurological conditions, Giessel said. The KU production will be the Midwestern premiere of the play.

Reserved-seat tickets for the two plays are on sale in the KU ticket offices: University Theatre, 864-3982; Lied Center, 864-ARTS; and Student Union Activities, 864-7469, or online at kutheatre.com. Tickets are $12 for the public, $10 for students and $11 for senior citizens and KU faculty and staff. VISA and Mastercard are accepted for phone and online orders.

Members of the casts for the KU productions are listed below by hometown, level in school, major, parents’ names, high school, role and show.

ALLEN COUNTY
From Iola 66749
Allison Chase, sophomore, theatre and film major, daughter of Robert and Jacki Chase, Iola High School, Mrs. Martin, “The Bald Soprano.”

JOHNSON COUNTY
From Leawood 66224
Tosin Morohunfola, sophomore, theatre and film major, son of Kenny and Ajoke Morohunfola, Blue Valley High School, John, “Linguish.”

From Lenexa 66216
Joe Carey, senior, film and African and African-American studies major, son of Beverly and John Carey, Shawnee Mission Northwest High School, Fire Chief, “The Bald Soprano.”

From Overland Park 66213
Jordy Altman, senior, theatre major, son of Ron and Julie Altman, Blue Valley Northwest High School, Michael Brack, “Linguish.”

From Overland Park 66223
Christopher McGillivray, sophomore, theatre major, son of Mr. and Mrs. Paul McGillivray, Blue Valley High School, Mr. Smith, “The Bald Soprano.”

From Roeland Park 66205
Andi Porter, senior, theatre major, daughter of Scott and Carol Porter, Bishop Miege High School, Mrs. Smith, “The Bald Soprano.”

From Shawnee 66216
Hilary Kelman, senior, theatre and French major, daughter of Stephanie Kelman and Steven Kelman, Shawnee Mission North High School, Mary the Maid, “The Bald Soprano.”

RENO COUNTY
From Hutchinson 67501
Brady Blevins, senior, theatre major, son of Curt and Cindy Blevins, Hutchinson High School, Mr. Martin, “The Bald Soprano.”

RILEY COUNTY
From Manhattan 66502
Cassidi Stuckman, senior, theatre and film, daughter of David Stuckman and Michelle McGuire, Manhattan High School, Sandy, “Linguish.”

ILLINOIS
From Downers Grove 60516
Meg Saricks, senior, theatre major, daughter of Chris and Joyce Saricks, Downers Grove South High School, Beth, “Linguish.”

MISSOURI
From Chesterfield 63005
Ryan Klamen, junior, theatre major, son of Mr. and Mrs. Kelly Klamen. Marquette High School, The Man, “Linguish.”

TEXAS
From Plano 75025
Ben Cook, senior, theatre major, son of Rick and Carol Cook, Plano Senior High School, The Clock, “The Bald Soprano.”

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