CT Rep Presents IF WE WERE BIRDS

Connecticut Repertory Theatre (CRT) stages its second Studio Theatre production of the 2018-19 season with "If We Were Birds" by Erin Shields. Helene Kvale will direct. Performances will be held in the Studio Theatre from March 28-April 7, 2019. For tickets and information, please visit crt.uconn.edu or call (860) 486-2113.

The war in Athens is over. Love blossoms as Procne leaves her beloved sister Philomela for a new life with husband King Tereus. Bored, Philomela begs to see her sister when the unexpected happens and her life is transformed to mythic proportions. Drawing on stories from real life testimonies from 20th century conflict, this empowering revenge tragedy earned Erin Shields the 2010 Dora Mavor Moore Award for Outstanding New Play. A powerful drama, examining the horrors of war through a contemporary re-telling of the Greek myth of Philomela.

Helene Kvale is an Assistant Professor in Residence and has taught Acting in the Department of Dramatic Arts since 2003. Her acting career started in London where she performed on the West End stage, the National Theatre, and in award winning film and television. She regularly directs for The Connecticut Repertory Theatre including "Eurydice," "Big Love," "Pride and Prejudice," and "The Skin of Our Teeth."

Director Helene Kvale says, "'If We Were Birds' is a play for our times. In 2019, with more women finding the courage to speak out, Ovid's classic myth reminds us that art can transcend the limitations of the human voice and help heal the wounds from life during wartime. Comic, surprising, and brutal, our production questions of concept of heroism and asks, 'is revenge the answer?'"

"'If We Were Birds' is a story as old as the first Festival of Dionysus in Athens and as new as the #MeToo movement. It is a story about the seed of destruction that lies in the center of power and our ability to stand against it. We hope you'll join us for this poetic tragedy that just may be more important now than the day it was written," added Artistic Director, Michael Bradford.

The creative team includes: Helene Kvale (Director), Casey Lampert (Scenic Design), Allison Zerio (Lighting Design), Taowen Pan (Costume Design), Mack Gauthier (Sound Design), Lizz Mangan and Eddie Vitcavage (Dramaturgs), and Mikayla Carr (Production Stage Manager).

The cast includes: Megan Casagrande (Philomela), Carly Polistina (Procne), Matthew Antoci (Pandion), Aiden Marchetti (Tereus), Pearl Matteson (The Young One), Eilis Garcia (The Pregnant One), Elizabeth Jebran (The Bleeding One/Servant/Itys), Willow Giannotti-Garlinghouse (The Pious One), Adrianna Simmons (The One with Dwindling Dignity) and Thalia Eddyblouin (The Servant).

Evening performances start at 7:30 pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and at 8:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Select matinee performances start at 2:00 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Single tickets are available now for $33. All student tickets are $10. Discounts are available for seniors and groups of 10 or more.

Co-sponsored by the UConn Human Rights Institute. Artwork provided courtesy of Shari Weschler Rubeck - Sumo Bunni.

There will be talkbacks following performances on April 4th at 7:30pm, April 5th at 8pm and April 6th at 2pm. Pay What You Can will be Saturday, March 30th at 8pm. Pay What You Can tickets are available based on availability. Ticket price is $1 plus a canned good/non-perishable food item. 1 ticket per food item. Tickets are only available 1 hour prior to the performance in person at the box office. Not valid on prior sales.

CRT recommends ages 17 and up (R-rating) for this production. This production contains scenes of sexual content, including sexual violence and partial nudity. For additional ticket information or to charge tickets by phone, call 860.486.2113. All sales are final; no refunds. Play selections and performance dates are subject to change.

Please call the box office at 860.486.2113 for tickets and additional information or visit www.crt.uconn.edu for specific show dates and times because performance schedules vary and are subject to change.

The Studio Theatre is located on the campus of the University of Connecticut in Storrs, CT.

Photo Credit Matt Pugliese

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