The University of Rochester’s International Theatre Program will present a radical re-imagining of John Ford’s epic tragedy of forbidden love, ’Tis Pity She’s a Whore, in a non-traditional multimedia staging opening at 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, in Todd Theatre on the River Campus. The play continues at 8 p.m. on Dec. 5, 6, 10, 11, 12, and 13, with a matinee scheduled for 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec 7.
First performed in 1630, the work explores the controversial theme of incestuous, illicit love in defiance of established societal norms. The plot revolves around an obsessive love affair between two young siblings, Annabella and Giovanni, which results in a shocking, violent, and ultimately tragic conclusion.
Directed by Nigel Maister, the production examines this classic text in a contemporary setting and explores the play’s themes through the prism of our media-saturated culture. Specifically, the production examines the connection between sensationalism and the current obsession with reality television, and touches on the continued fascination with the “entertainment of dysfunction” as presented by talk show hosts such as Jerry Springer and Ricki Lake. Using unconventional theatrical techniques, the production not only revives a classic text, but also engages the audience in non-traditional ways.
Maister, artistic director of the International Theatre Program, was born in South Africa and educated at the University of Cape Town and Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. He has acted and directed productions in the United States, Europe, and South Africa, and received numerous awards.
Besides directing the production, Maister also designed the set. Kimberly Glennon, resident designer at the Classical Theatre of Harlem, returns to Rochester as costume designer for the production. Music and sound design is by Obadiah Eaves, a National Endowment for the Arts/Theatre Communications Group grant recipient whose work has been heard on Nickelodeon and HBO Family Channel in addition to numerous International Theatre Program productions. Lighting design is by Aaron Black, whose previous Rochester credits include last season’s Hamlet.
Seating for the production of ’Tis Pity She’s a Whore is extremely limited. Tickets are $10 for the general public; $6 for University of Rochester undergraduate students and senior citizens; and $8 for University faculty and staff. They can be reserved online at www.rochester.edu/theatre or by calling the box office at (585) 275-4088. For more information, please contact the International Theatre Program at (585) 275-4959.