The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Department of Theatre and Speech continues the 2008-09 season with the contemporary play RECENT TRAGIC EVENTS. All performances begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Dorothy Hackett Ward Theatre on February 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14.
On September 12, 2001, Waverly, a young advertising executive living in Minneapolis must maneuver through a blind date while waiting on news from her twin sister who is missing in New York City. Add to this absurd situation a crazed-musician neighbor, his free-spirited girlfriend and Waverly’s great aunt, Joyce Carol Oates. This is a provocative examination of design, chaos and coincidence that is both respectfully amusing and heart wrenching.
The play is “a poignant, thought-provoking, and yes, essentially amusing piece on the subject [of 9/11]. Indeed, the play offers a lesson in how the theater can deal with such a momentous event without being trite, maudlin, trivial, or disrespectful.” –Variety
Written by Craig Wright, RECENT TRAGIC EVENTS first premiered at Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company in Washington DC in 2002. In addition to his plays for the theatre, Craig Wright has written for hit TV shows such as “Six Feet Under,” “Lost” and “Dirty Sexy Money”.
Steve Ray, a new UTC faculty member, is directing RECENT TRAGIC EVENTS. Ray says, “This show is a great opportunity for our actors to sink their teeth into some great dialogue by a talented contemporary playwright. I think audiences will really enjoy this kind of whimsical—but respectful—look at one of the most important events of the new millennium so far.” Scenery is being designed by Gaye Jeffers, Costumes by Sydney Roberts, and Lighting by John Burgess.
Cast members include: Sam Fort, Jamie Harkin, Grace Holtz, Daniel Pound and Lauren Williams.
