Clarksville, Ark. ---The University of the Ozarks' senior theatre majors will present the Pulitzer Prize-winning drama, `night Mother, Feb. 20-22 in the Walton Fine Arts Center.
Show times are 7:30 p.m. each day, and tickets are $5 each. Written by Marsha Norman, `night Mother won the 1983 Pulitzer Prize for drama. The student-directed production will serve as the senior project for four Ozarks theatre majors: Dustin Campbell of Pottsville, Misti Ponder of Murfreesboro, April James of Shreveport, La., and Sacha Fincher of Alma. Campbell will direct the play, Ponder will play the role of "Mama" and design the costumes, James will play "Jessie" and design the graphics, and Fincher is stage manager and light designer. "Most undergraduate theatre programs do not offer students the challenge of presenting fully produced main stage plays," said Walton Professor of Theatre Dr. Pat Farmer. "At Ozarks, where our goal is to provide theatrical opportunities for students to realize their full potential, we encourage our seniors to take on the challenge of a main stage show. Dustin, Misti, April and Sacha have been actively involved in all aspects of theatrical production. For four years, they have demonstrated their dedication, discipline and artistry in faculty directed productions. Professor Bruce Brown and I are thrilled to provide them with this educational capstone experience." A story of family conflict, `night Mother explores the final hour in the life of a young woman who has decided that life is no longer worth living. Played in real times, the audience watches as Jessie and her mother debate the issues, both mundane and weighty, which lead Jessie to her final decision. Described by New York Magazine as "honest, uncompromising ? and moving," `night Mother will challenge audience members to evaluate the meaning of their own lives. Because of the intensity of the subject matter, `night Mother is not recommended for young audiences.
Topics: Theatre