MAINSTAGE PRODUCTIONS

LIFE IS A DREAM by Pedro Calderón de la Barca
Faculty directed by Martha Johnson
November 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, and 10 at 7 p.m.
November 4 and 11 at 2 p.m.
Tjornhom-Nelson Theater

This production marks the area premiere of Nilo Cruz's highly-praised translation/ adaptation of Calderón's seventeenth century Spanish masterpiece. Life Is a Dream explores destiny, freewill, and passionate love, through the eyes of a king's son imprisoned by his father from birth.The play has recently shown itself to have a powerful appeal for contemporary audiences, and Cuban-born American playwright Nilo Cruz won the 2003 Pulitzer Prize in Drama for his celebrated play Anna in the Tropics.

THE VISIT by Friedrich Durrenmatt
Guest directed by Luverne Seifert '83
February 1, 2, 7, 8 and 9 at 7 p.m.
February 3 and 10 at 2 p.m.
Tjornhom-Nelson Theater

A rags-to-riches millionaire, who as a young girl once lived in the decrepit and poverty stricken European hamlet of Guellen, returns home for a visit.The town, giddy with the opportunity to climb out of its destitution, joyously welcomes her back, only to realize that she conceals a dark secret and that her generosity will come with a cost. Friedrich Durrenmatt's tragic comedy unfolds a haunting story of human greed and vengeance.

TOP GIRLS by Caryl Churchill
Directed by Darcey Engen '88
April 11, 12, 17, 18, and 19 at 7 p.m.
April 13 and 20 at 2 p.m.
Tjornhom-Nelson Theater

Top Girls takes the audience to a dinner party where women of history discuss the political and personal sacrifices women have made throughout history. Focusing on whether women should enter the workforce or remain in a mother's traditional role, playwright Caryl Churchill guides the audience on a complicated journey through time, continuously commenting on women historically and in our modern culture.