Stephen Jeffreys' hilarious play The Libertine will open at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 2, in the Todd Theater in Todd Union on the University of Rochester's River Campus. Presented by the University's International Theatre Program, the play will run at 8 p.m. on Dec. 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11; and at 3 p.m. on Dec. 5 and 12. The Dec. 5 matinee will be ASL interpreted for the Deaf community.
The play is a contemporary satire, focusing on the Earl of Rochester, who was one of the most fascinating men in the 17th century. The work traces his intoxication in the pleasures of the flesh as he races to personal destruction and despair in the company of three friends.
The Libertine explores the destructive power of sex, the moral dilemma of faith, as well as social manners and behavior. It is the second of the two plays dealing with the Earl of Rochester presented by the International Theatre Program this year; the first, The Man of Mode, was staged earlier this fall.
The production will be directed by Mervyn Willis, currently in his 10th year as the International Theatre Program's artistic director. Set and costume design are by Russian designer Nikita Tkachuk; lighting design is by Jane Cox; and the original score is by Greek composer Alexandros.
Tickets are $8 general admission; $7 for faculty, staff, and seniors; $5 for students. Visa and MasterCard are accepted; group discounts are available. Tickets can be purchased at the box office or by calling (585) 275-4088.