TORONTO, October 18, 2001 -- Theatre @ York launches its season with Christopher Durang’s black comedy, Betty’s Summer Vacation, directed by Dawn Naser, opening Oct. 30 at York University.
Who are we becoming in the face of television? What has television become due to our desire for tabloid news? This biting satire offers some answers as Betty, who only wants some relaxation, is subjected to the violent antics of her crazy household as well as intrusive voices that demand constant entertainment.
"I immediately identified with the theme of Betty’s Summer Vacation, because I’m a TV addict," admits Naser. "As much as I might think I’m above the tabloid gossip, I often stay up too late in order to get the gory details of the latest sex scandal or grand survivor story."
Naser notes that in this particular play, Durang presents us with a world of murder, rape, molestation -- and a laugh track. "Finding the right combination of horror and humour has been a challenge for me", she says. "I must find the right tone for the piece or else its message could be misinterpreted."
Naser was born and raised in Pittsburgh, where she worked as a director, stage manager and teacher before coming to York University as a graduate student in the Master’s program in directing. Her directing credits include A … My Name is Alice, Collected Stories and The Actor’s Nightmare. She has directed numerous outreach projects for Pittsburgh’s City Theatre, developing theatrical works with groups such as the ACLU, The AIDS Task Force and Pittsburgh Vision Services. Other projects include work for the Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts and Women’s Project and Productions, NY.
Theatre @ York productions showcase the talents of students in York’s Theatre Department. The cast for Betty’s Summer Vacation is drawn from the 4thYear Acting Ensemble. Set design is by Meredith Kenny, with costumes by Sherri Catt and lighting by Stuart Thomson and Aaron Kelly.
Betty’s Summer Vacation previews Sun. Oct. 28 and Mon. Oct. 29 and opens Tues. Oct. 30, with shows running nightly through Sat. Nov. 3. Curtain time is 7:30 pm (6:00 pm on Wed. Oct. 30) with matinees Wed. Oct. 30 and Fri. Nov. 2 at 1:00 pm. Performances take place in the Joseph G. Green Studio Theatre at York University, 4700 Keele St. General admission is $12, students/seniors $8, group rate $5. The Sunday preview is PWYC, Monday preview is $5. For tickets, phone the Theatre @ York box office at (416) 736-5172 ext. 3.
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For further information, please contact:
| Brigitte Kleer Public Relations, Faculty of Fine Arts York University 416-736-2100 ext. 77143 bkleer@yorku.ca |
