Aurora Theatre Company to Present WITTENBERG, 4/4-5/4

Aurora Theatre Company presents the Bay Area Premiere of WITTENBERG, David Davalos' hilarious mash-up about reason versus faith. It is October 1517 and the beginning of another fall semester at the University of Wittenberg finds certain members of the faculty and student body at personal and professional crossroads. Hamlet (senior, class of 1518), suffering from a sudden crisis of faith, has just returned from summer break with a revelation that threatens the very order of the universe. As the Prince who should be King laughably ping-pongs between the contrary advice of Martin Luther (Professor, theology) and Doctor John Faustus (Professor, philosophy), two of history's most stubborn intellectuals go head-to-head in comic combat for the conflicted Dane's allegiance. Will Faustus, the philosopher with a lust for life, win the confused young man's mind, or can Luther, the cleric who ignited the Protestant Reformation, win his soul?

This smart, audacious comedy premiered at the Arden Theatre in 2008 and is a recipient of the Edgerton Foundation New American Plays Award. The New York Times dubbed the play "crackling good...Hilarity, thy name is WITTENBERG," while the Philadelphia Inquirer praised "Finally - a decent Protestant Reformation comedy!" The New York Post called WITTENBERG "...a delightful romp that's as accessible as it is thought-provoking. Tom Stoppard, eat your heart out." Josh Costello (San Francisco Playhouse, Marin Theatre Company, Impact Theatre) directs this smarty-pants celebration of history, language, academia, and religion, featuring Dan Hiatt (The Arsonists), Elizabeth Carter (Trouble in Mind), Jeremy Kahn, and Michael Stevenson.

DATES: Previews: April 4, 5, 9 at 8pm; April 6 at 2pm; April 8 at 7pm
Opens: April 10, 2014
Tuesday Talkback: Tuesday, April 15
Debate Team: Friday, April 18
Script Alive: Monday, April 28, 7:30pm
Behind the Scenes: Wednesday, April 30
Building Bridges: Friday, May 2
Closes: May 4

SHOWS: Tuesday at 7pm; Wednesday through Saturday at 8pm; Sunday at 2pm and 7pm

TICKETS: For tickets (Previews $35; Regular Performances $32-50; Limited Opening Night Seating $60) the public can call (510) 843-4822 or visit auroratheatre.org. Half-off tickets for Under 30, student, and group discounts available.

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