Skidmore Theater Announces Fall 2018 Black Box Production 33 VARIATIONS

The Skidmore College Department of Theater is pleased to announce its Fall 2018 Black Box production, 33 Variations by Moisés Kaufman, directed by senior theater department faculty member, Marie Glotzbach.

Synopsis: In 1819, fledgling publisher Anton Diabelli commissioned 50 composers to write a variation on a waltz he had created. Beethoven rejected the invitation, dismissing Diabelli's waltz as ordinary. He then changed his mind and created not one but 33 variations on Diabelli's theme. Why? Why would a composer at the height of his powers become obsessed with such an insignificant little waltz, and build a major work on it? Kaufman's play weaves Beethoven's artistic journey with that of Katherine, a contemporary musicologist wrestling to pin down the source of the composer's fascination with the simple waltz. Deciphering clues left behind in Beethoven's notebooks and letters, Katherine delves into his compositional process and daily life, finding even greater insight into her own obsession with genius.

FROM THE DIRECTOR: "My first attraction to 33 Variations was the parallel I saw between the journey of the creative process and the technique of composing variations. Both Beethoven and Katherine strive to transform something to its better self, a process I find captivating. 33 Variations reveals characters who transcend centuries to touch one another in a theatrical space where past and present intertwine and are connected by the mystery of the impulse to create. I am also intrigued by the idea of Beethoven's music being imbedded in the script and how that choice influences the theatrical structure of the piece. But ultimately, I found myself caring about the relationships of the characters and their beautiful journey towards acceptance and reconciliation. Moisés Kaufman constructs a narrative with powerful theatricality and a sense of wonder that explores human relationships, art and life, fact and speculation. In the process, he challenges us to re-examine our understanding of the creative process."- Marie Glotzbach

Tickets: $12 general admission and $8 for students and senior citizens. Reserve seats online at theater.skidmore.edu or by contacting our Box Office: boxoffice@skidmore.edu or (518) 580-5439.