COLUMBUS, Miss. – The Department of Theatre at Mississippi University for Women will present Brian Friel’s “Dancing at Lughnasa,” Thursday, Oct. 25 through Saturday Oct. 27, at 7:30 p.m. in Cromwell Theatre.
“Dancing at Lughnasa” takes the audience back to the summer of 1936 and into the world of the five Mundy sisters. The Mundys live in a small cottage village outside the turbulence of a changing Ireland where it is known to be at a “wistful and mad crossroads,” a parallel to the lives of the Mundy sisters. Throughout the play’s journey, the family searches for potential love, stability and above all hope. The sisters find joy and complete self-expression in music and dance. But eventually, guests will find out that the hardships of life can cripple even these powerful and courageous women and by the end of that summer hope fades and tragedy intervenes. The play shows the strength and bravery of five sisters before they change forever.
Director Kathy Newman said, “The cast was challenged with learning the Irish dialect as well as historically researching 1930’s Ireland from wars to societal influences and the contrast of Catholicism and paganism.” The playwright, Brian Friel, uses storytelling and language to create imagery that carries lasting impact. The play is a memory play based on Friel’s own life.
Cast members include: Abigail McCreary, Alysann Simpson, Allison Jones, Brittany Bigott, Katie Ballinger, Payton Bellew, Drew Nunley, Joh Alex Nunnery and Barnes Locke.
The production includes theatre faculty members: David Carter-scenic and lighting designer and producer, Dustin Gibson-assistant technical director, Lee Crouse-dialect coach, Kathy Newman-director.
Student production staff: Courtney Thompson-stage manager, Kendashia Smith-assistant stage manager and properties manager, Kelsey Damms-assistant stage manager, Abigail McCreary-costume designer, Enya MacDonald-lighting designer, Elizabeth Wiggins-light board operator, Lori Purtle-sound board operator.
Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for adults. Door opens at 7 p.m., and the performances will begin promptly at 7:30 p.m. The show will run approximately 1 hour 40 minutes including a 10-minute intermission. Tickets can be purchased in advance, starting Monday, Oct. 22 in the Cromwell Communications Office from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cromwell Theatre is located at the corner of 10th Street and Sixth Avenue South.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 18, 2018