2007 Theatre Archive

In the Blood

  • January 11-14, 2007
  • By Suzan-Lori Parks
  • Directed by Dawn Williams
  • (Studio Theatre)

"This is a drama that examines the objectified female, violence, historical fact and fiction, and takes a serious look at poverty.”

  • February 2-4 2007 
  • By AXIS Dance Company,
  • Dandelion Dancetheater,
  • Nina Haft & Company,
  • Jess Curtis/Gravity,
  • Rabble Rouse Dance Theater,
  • Sharon Took-Zozaya, and more.
  • (Univ. Theatre)

The Wiz

  • March 2-3, 9-11, 2007
  • Book by William F. Brown, Music and Lyrics by Charlie Smalls
  • Description: Directed by Darryl V. Jones
  • (Univ. Theatre)

This award winning Broadway musical, based on Frank Baum’s classic story of the Wizard of Oz, is loaded with heart, soul and plenty of funky music. From Munchkin Land, where Addaperle and the Munchkins remind us “He’s The Wiz” to Evillene’s brassy “No Bad News,” the story and the music make the trip down the yellow brick road a high stepping musical treat. You will find deep lessons for the soul in Dorothy’s show stopping “Home” and Glinda’s “Believe in Yourself.” And just try to sit still during the rousing “Brand New Day.” So come “Ease On Down The Road” to The Wiz and discover that there really is “no place like home.” 

Charlotte’s Web

  • May 4-5, 2007
  • Adapted by Joseph Robinette Based on the story by E.B. White
  • Directed by A. Fajilan
  • (Univ. Theatre)

Come laugh as Wilbur becomes the 'Media Darling-The IT Pig' of the County Fair Circuit," said Fajilan. "The silliness begins with tremendous help from his best friend Charlotte, Cavatica the spider, Templeton the rat-his partner in crime; the Giddy Goose; the Cranky Sheep; the Mischievous Lamb; the Thoughtful Gander; and, of course, Faithful Fern. Children of all ages will find something to smile about."

  • March 16 2007
  • By Eric Kupers
  • (PE 140)

Winter quarter showing of dances classes, the dance ensemble and DABA program.

Performance Fusion

  • June 1-3, 8-9, 2007
  • Directed/Choreographed by advanced theatre/dance students
  • (Studio Theatre)

Description: Buckle up as the next generation of cutting-edge artists takes you on a wild ride across the borderlands of dance, theatre and music! The Performance Fusion Festival showcases original works directed and performed by students in the Department of Theatre and Dance. Pieces include Grace Alvarez "Never Forget," a look at colonization through Pilipino folk dance fused with hip hop, modern dance and spoken word; Katrina Deans' and Kehinde Kujichagulia-Seitu's "Transformation," personal and political celebration of African American women through poetry, gospel music, stepping, praise dance and African dance; and Denise Hampel's "Gefangen (Trapped)," a contemporary dance and spoken word performance as seen through the eyes of a young German woman grappling with the legacy of the Holocaust.

Highlands Summer Theatre Much Ado About Nothing

  • July 27-28, August 3-5, 2007
  • By Shakespeare
  • Directed by Melissa Hillman and Dawn Monique Williams
  • (Univ. Theatre)

Young lovers Hero and Claudio are to be married in one week. To pass the time, they conspire with Don Pedro to set a "lover’s trap" for Benedick, an arrogant, confirmed bachelor, and Beautrice, his favorite sparring partner. Meanwhile, the evil Don Jon conspires to break up the wedding by accusing Hero of infidelity. In the end, though, it all turns out to be "much ado about nothing."

Highlands Summer Theatre Hair

  • August 10-11, 17-19, 2007
  • Book and Lyrics by Gerome Ragni and James Rado
  • Music by Galt MacDermot
  • Directed by A. Fajilan
  • (Univ. Theatre)

This classic look at America in the ‘60s offers memorable music that thoroughly captures the era. Come see how performers almost two generations distant from those times interpret Hair’s messages about culture, war and youth. 

Carol Channing

  • October 9, 2007
  • (Univ. Theatre)

Description: Benefit for The Carol Channing and Harry Kullijian Endowment for Arts Education, in support of a ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ Theatre and Dance Musical Theatre Scholarship Fund. 

Cloud Nine

  • November 9-10, 16-18, 2007
  • By Caryl Churchill
  • Director Darryl V. Jones
  • (Studio Theatre)

Imagine colonial South Africa, but with men playing women and the women playing men in a funny, sexy, bawdy British burlesque style. Then, fast-forward 100 years to London – same actors, but in different roles. Society has taken a giant leap forward, or, has it? British playwright uses the absurd to illustrate how societal pressure dictates the roles we live. The thought-provoking piece is well suited to the Bay Area’s progressive mores, as well as an appropriate vehicle for illustrating the affects of time on society during this, the university’s 50th anniversary year. “The character archetypes in ‘Cloud 9,’ are prevalent and easily recognizable in our modern society,” says Jones. “Some people find themselves trapped in roles that they reluctantly and discontentedly play, others, encouraged by the relative open-mindedness of the present time, defy norms and societal demands.” Tom Hird, chair of theatre and dance, observes, “For me, the appeal of Cloud Nine is in the extreme exaggeration. The show is both funny and thought provoking because it really makes you consider how dehumanizing stereotyping can be when you want to laugh at very human frailties. 

Ice

  • December 7-8, 2007
  • Produced by Nina Haft and Eric Kupers with the ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ dance faculty.
  • (PE 140)

Featuring dance and choreography by ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ students. This annual holiday concert introduces performers and work from across the campus and community.  See the seeds of dance performances that will develop throughout the year, the bold experiments of both advanced and fledgling students.

Around the World with Mulan & Aladdin

  • December 14-15, 2007
  • Created by students of ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ, East Bay
  • Directed by Ann Fajilan
  • (Univ. Theatre)

A celebration of international folktales-with stage settings in Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe and North America.  "The tour will touch on folktales and myths that reveal the essential holiday spirit of compassion, kindness and gratitude, as told by talking and singing animals, creepy villains and brave warriors," said Ann Fajilan, director of the production and assistant professor of theatre and dance.