October 5, 2005

Purdue Theatre presents 'Road,' a late-night tour of an English town

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue Theatre will present Jim Cartwright's groundbreaking play, "Road," Oct. 20-30 in the Black Box Theatre, Creative Arts Building 3.

"Road" leads the audience into a colorful but gritty world of societal outcasts struggling to survive during Thatcher-era England. The characters discover sadness, laughter and hope for the future as they chaotically intersect and interact on a Saturday night.

Richard Stockton Rand, professor of theatre, will direct the compelling drama that includes a cast of 16 actors playing 34 separate characters.

"The play envelops the audience in the sights, sounds, tastes and feelings from a diverse cross-section of Lancashire village life," Rand said. "The 'Road' community consists of the have-nots and the eccentrics, the deformed and the grotesque, the lovable and the lost."

First performed in 1986, "Road" launched Cartwright's reputation as one of England's most eloquent, yet radical, playwrights.

"'Road' redefines the relationship of characters to the audience in a way that's very experimental," Rand said. "The audience is encouraged to move throughout the space."

The production marks the end of the road for the Black Box Theatre. Since its inception nearly two decades ago, thousands of students have performed, designed, directed and observed hundreds of performances within the space. The Black Box will be replaced by the new state-of-the-art Carole and Gordon Mallett Theatre set to open in 2006.

"Road" opens at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 20 with additional 7:30 p.m. performances Oct. 21-Oct. 22 and Oct. 25-29. Two matinees will be offered at 3 p.m. Oct. 23 and Oct. 30.

The play is recommended for mature audiences due to adult content and strong language.

Admission is $7.50 for adults and $6 for students. Tickets may be purchased at the Loeb Box Office in Stewart Center or by calling (765) 494-3933 or (800) 914-SHOW.

Writer: Peggy Felix, (765) 494-3084, felix@purdue.edu

Note to Journalists: Photographers are invited to take photos at rehearsal 7:30 p.m. Oct. 17 in the Black Box Theatre, Creative Arts Building 3. Contact Peggy Felix, director of marketing and donor relations, Purdue Theatre, (765) 494-3084, felix@purdue.edu.

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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