Jan. 24, 2011
Contact David Gardiner at 608-796-3790 or dmgardiner@viterbo.edu
VITERBO UNIVERSITY THEATRE DEPARTMENT TO PRESENT 4:48 PSYCHOSIS FEB. 3–5
LA CROSSE, Wis. – Viterbo University student actors and dancers will present the dark drama 4:48 Psychosis at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 3–Saturday Feb. 5 in the Fine Arts Center La Croix Black Box Theatre.
4:48 Psychosis is a challenging piece that was written by up and coming British playwright Sarah Kane in 1999. Unfortunately, 4:48 Psychosis is the last play Kane wrote before taking her own life. The suicidal depression that Kane was experiencing became the material for the play. The play is very poetic in nature and has no specific characters or stage directions. It challenges each theatre company to find its own creative solution to best tell this powerful story.
The Viterbo Theatre Department chose to do this work as a collaborative piece between student actors and dancers, the chorographer, designers, and the directors. They will present 4:48 Psychosis as a physical piece of theatre with movement and music that was added to help tell the story.
The subject of suicide in the script helps to raise questions about suicide awareness and prevention, said Nikki Balsamo, Viterbo faculty member who is serving as choreographer of the production. She also said that even though these are hard subjects to deal with that it is important that they are not overlooked because the people trapped by these conditions also need a voice.
“Don’t be frightened away by the subject matter,” said faculty member David Gardiner, who is directing the production. “It’s not a documentary or lecture, it’s an exciting piece of theatre.”
4:48 Psychosis is recommended for mature audiences. A discussion with the performers will be held following the Feb. 4 performance.
Tickets are $10 for general admission seating. For more information, contact the Viterbo box office at 608-796-3100 or boxoffice@viterbo.edu.
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