Friday, November 14, 2008

Gorky ca. 1902 in Edwardsville next month



I have major local Russian literary news I am saving up for my birthday broadcast tomorrow, but this too is cool.

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Department of Theater and Dance is extending its regular Mainstage season across campus to the James F. Metcalf Theater to present The Lower Depths, a play by Maxim Gorky, the celebrated Soviet playwright .

The play will be staged at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday, Dec. 3-6, and Friday and Saturday, Dec. 12-13, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7 and 14, all at the Metcalf.

First produced in 1902, The Lower Depths was considered the first success for the famous Soviet director Konstantin Stanislavski (as in the eponymous "Method" of acting), who also starred in the 1902 production. Stanislavski later influenced members of The Group Theater in America such as Luther and Stella Adler, Clifford Odets and Lee Strasberg, who later influenced many actors and directors who themselves went on to become legends.

Tickets are $10; senior citizens, $8; SIUE faculty and staff, $6; students, $6; SIUE students with valid Cougar ID, no admission charge. For tickets, call the SIUE Fine Arts box office, (618) 650-2774.

See ya on the East Side?

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Photos of cast members Wendy Bosick (as Victoria) of Belleville; Maggie Conroy (as Peppel) of south St. Louis; and Elizabeth Boyer (as Noel) of Marshall by Bill Brinson.

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