Aristophanes’ ‘The Birds’ flies into new studio theater

Northwest’s dramatic arts program will present Aristophanes’ “The Birds” in November in the Performing Art Center’s newly completed studio theater.

Evening performances for the Mainstage production will begin at 7:30 p.m. Show dates are Nov. 6-8 (Thursday through Saturday) and Nov. 13-15 (Thursday through Saturday). General admission tickets cost $8 at the door. For reservations, call 660.562.1321 between 9-11 a.m. Monday through Thursday. Reservations are encouraged since seating is limited. There will be a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday, Nov. 8.

Considered one of the classic plays of ancient Greece, “The Birds” portrays how society is shaken when two frustrated citizens flee the chaos of civilization and attempt to establish a better way of life among the birds. Slapstick, fantasy and social satire combine as humans and birds unite to build a utopian paradise in the clouds.

“Sometimes I think people hear ‘Greek comedy’ and think that it’s going to be actors in white robes talking about philosophy, said director Amanda Petefish-Schrag, assistant professor of communication, theatre and languages. “In reality, this production looks more like the Three Stooges than a Greek statue. ‘The Birds’ is full of characters and ideas that we deal with everyday.”

For more information about the Northwest Mainstage production of “The Birds,” e-mail Casey Payton at s271072@nwmissouri.edu.

The play will be the first major production mounted in Northwest’s new studio theater, a $4.3 million addition to the Performing Arts Center that has greatly enhanced learning opportunities for Northwest drama students.

Made possible through the Northwest Foundation and a major private gift, the 5,500-square-foot facility functions as a laboratory for the dramatic arts and contains state-of-the art lighting and sound equipment.

In addition to providing a technically superior space for student productions, the studio theater has also eased crowded event schedules at Mary Linn Auditorium, the Black Box and Charles Johnson Theater.

For more information, please contact:

Anthony Brown,
News Bureau Manager
E-Mail: abrown@nwmissouri.edu
Phone: 660.562.1704
Fax: 660.562.1900

Northwest Missouri State University
219 Administration Building,
800 University Drive
Maryville, MO 64468

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