National Theatre of the Deaf appears at WVU Parkersburg

NEWS

West Virginia University at Parkersburg
300 Campus Drive | Parkersburg, WV | 26104-8647
Phone: 304-424-8203 | Fax: 304-424-8315
Connie Dziagwa: Communications/Public Relations Director

WVU Parkersburg presents National Theatre of the Deaf's "Oh, Figaro!"

CONTACT: H.G. Young, professor of music, 304-424-8248.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Distinguished Performance Series’ 2002-2003 season closes with the Tony-award winning National Theatre of The Deaf and its production of “Oh, Figaro!”

The program is at 8 p.m., Friday, April 4 in the multi-purpose room. This newly commissioned National Theatre of the Deaf adaptation of the Beaumarchais classic French farces “The Marriage of Figaro” and “The Barber of Seville” brings Figaro to the 21^st Century in a timeless battle of the sexes.

In its 34-year history, The National Theatre of the Deaf stands as testimony to the artistry and capability of its actors. There have been 64 national tours, performances in all 50 states, all the continents, 31 international tours and over 8,000 performances earning NTD its place in theatrical history as the oldest continually-producing touring theatre company in the United States. Through NTD's signature style of visual language, American Sign Language, the audience enjoys a greater appreciation that no other theatre company can approach. The ensemble's magic lies in a remarkable ability to entertain and inform at the same time.

Tickets are available in the business office for this sophisticated theatrical presentation. Tickets for the college performance are available in the college’s business office or at the door one hour before each performance. They are $10 for adults and $5 for students. WVU at Parkersburg students may purchase special advance tickets for themselves and one guest for $2 each; WVU at Parkersburg faculty and staff may purchase $5 advance tickets. All tickets at the door will be regular price. For tickets by mail, call (304) 424-8223. There are no reserved seats.

In conjunction with the evening performance, the Little Theatre of the Deaf will present a children's program,“The Giving Tree and Other Stories,” at 10 a.m., April 4 at the Smoot Theatre. This is a 50-minute program that will entertain elementary school-aged audiences and their families. The performance begins with an introduction that acquaints the audience with ASL and teaches them words that they can sign. Next, the company performs a variety of stories that use the words from the introduction. The audience sees the words they've just learned used in context, and they understand more fully how much fun it is to watch stories performed in ASL. The Giving Tree is the centerpiece of the performance. Tickets for the Smoot show are available by calling 422-PLAY.

This DP Series program is presented with financial assistance from the West Virginia Division of Culture and History and National Endowment for the Arts with approval by the West Virginia Commission on the Arts, Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, Artsbridge, University System Board of Trustees Social Justice program, WVU at Parkersburg Academic Affairs budget, and student activity fee.

For additional information, contact:
Connie Dziagwa
Director, Communications and Public Relations
WVU Parkersburg
(304-424-8203)