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West Virginia University at Parkersburg 300 Campus Drive Parkersburg WV 26104 Phone:  304-424-8203 | Fax:  304-424-8315

The Theatre Department at West Virginia University at Parkersburg goes globe trotting in five plays to be presented during its 2004-2005 season.

The first production, Tom Stoppard's hilarious classic, "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead," journeys to eccentric old Denmark for a blend of classical theatre, existential philosophy and absurdist humor. The British playwright (well known to American audiences for his film script of "Shakespeare in Love" as well as his many award-winning plays) takes two incidental characters from Shakespeare's "Hamlet" on a madcap mission to discover the source of the great Dane's madness. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, however, seem to have their own mission. Since Rosencrantz frequently thinks he is Guildenstern and Guildenstern is primarily obsessed with the law of probability, they may not be the best two folks for the job, notes Theatre director Andrew Clovis.

More British in flavor than Danish, "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern" has a roomy cast with upwards of 14 roles available. It also allows for flexible casting as all roles will be open to any adult actor of any age and either gender. The production will be presented Friday, Oct. 8 and Saturday, Oct. 9 at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 10 at 2:00 p.m. in the College Theatre. Open auditions are scheduled for Sunday, August 29 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.; Monday, August 30 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., and Tuesday, August 31 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the College Theatre.  Auditions are open to the public.

The second production travels to Norway for Henrik Ibsen's most famous drama, "A Doll 's House," to hear what critics described as "the door slam heard round the world."  Set in the 1860's, Ibsen's realistic classic explores the dangers of valuing propriety and reputation above all else. Nora and Torvald Helmar seem to have the perfect middle-class life until a well-intentioned deception comes to light. This revelation shows both that each of them is not whom they thought the other to be, nor, indeed, whom they thought themselves to be.

The cast for what many critics have described as the most socially ground-breaking play of the 19th Century, contains extraordinary roles for four women and four men. Small parts are available for three young children as well. Show dates for "A Doll's House" are Friday, Dec. 3 and Saturday, Dec. 4 at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 5 at 2:00 p.m. in the College Theatre.

February brings a visit to both Japan and the American old west in two one-act plays by David Henry Hwang. Hwang is well known for his award winning drama, "M. Butterfly." Poetic and moving, "The Sound of a Voice" uses Japanese mythology to unveil the fragility of love and beauty in a world filled with loneliness.

"In this short, haunting tragedy, two beautifully crafted characters struggle to dominate and control one another at the same time they seek to unite," according to Clovis. Hwang's second short two-character study, "The Dance and the Railroad," also explores issues of control, exploitation and union. Set in a Chinese labor camp along the American transcontinental railroad in 1867, this "vibrant play" examines two young men, Lone and Ma, who use the exacting disciplines of the Chinese opera as a means of finding dignity and control in a world filled with "dead and enslaved" men.

"The Sound of a Voice" and "The Dance and the Railroad" will be presented Friday, Feb. 18 and Saturday, Feb. 19 at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 20 at 2:00 p.m. in the College Theatre under the title "Sound and Movement."

The final production of the season returns to America. Renowned playwright Eugene O'Neil's only comedy, "Ah, Wilderness," revolves around the Miller family in the New England of the 1910's. "Peopled with wonderfully eccentric characters, this warm and witty comedy explores love and romance in all their many guises," Clovis said. "It also contains one of the funniest dinner scenes on record," he continued.

The cast is comprised of 14 and is relatively evenly split between male and female roles and covers a variety of ages. "Ah, Wilderness" will be staged Friday, April 8 and Saturday, April 9 at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, April 10 at 2:00 p.m. in the College Theatre.

Anyone with questions about the plays may contact Clovis, at 424-8295. Clovis stressed that auditions for WVU Parkersburg theatre productions are not limited solely to the campus community. "Anyone can become involved," he said.

For ticket information, contact the College Business Office at 424-8223 during the week of the performance.