FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 17, 2014
BLOOMINGTON, Ind – This November Indiana University Department of Theatre, Drama and Contemporary Dance celebrates Jane Austen with “an exceptionally clear, funny and moving”* stage adaptation of Pride and Prejudice.
Jon Jory’s inventive adaptation first premiered at the Actors Theatre of Louisville in 2008. Since then, it has received dozens of productions nationwide, fast becoming a regional theater favorite.
“One of Jane Austen’s many skills is that she has created some of the most delicious characters in the history of the English novel – and the best remembered, and the best loved. So I tried to find a way to use [her words] almost exclusively,” said Jory, in a 2008 interview with Audience Magazine.
Director Dale McFadden is attempting to emphasize the subtlety and nuance of Jory’s adaption.
“It’s been fascinating to discover the depth of this piece. It’s as much about understanding the self, as it is a love story,” says McFadden. “A good telling of this story is aware that love is only possible when you know yourself on a deeper level. And there are a lot of barriers in [19th century English society] to discovering who you truly are.”
In advance of Opening Night, the IU Art Museum will host a November 6th Pride and Prejudice-themed MIX event, including a tour that will lead guests through original artwork from Austen’s contemporaries, creating a unique window into the period.
Plus! IU Theatre will host a one-of-a-kind lecture sure to excite Austenphiles everywhere: “On Not Knowing in Jane Austen,” given by Dr. Rae Griner, a leading nineteenth century English literature historian. Dr. Griner is an associate professor at IU, and the editor of Victorian Studies.
*Robert Hurwitt, Theater Critic, San Francisco Chronicle
WHAT: Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, adapted by Jon Jory
WHEN: Nov. 7, 8, 11 – 14 at 7:30 p.m./ Nov. 15 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Ruth N. Halls Theatre, Lee Norvelle Theatre and Drama Center, 275 N. Jordan Ave, Bloomington.
TICKETS: Regular admission is $25 for adults, $15 for students, $20 for senior citizens. 812.855.1103 or www.theatre.indiana.edu
Cast and creative team information is available at http://www.indiana.edu/~thtr/productions/2014/prideandprejudice.shtml
For more information, contact Amy Osajima at aosajima@indiana.edu.
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