The University of Oregon Theatre Program presents: New Voices!
The University of Theatre Program presents: New Voices!
New Voices is comprised of two separate plays: “The Fruit Stand,” by Sravya Tadepalli and “On the Street Where We Used to Live,” by Cora Mills.
Both plays are the chosen winners of the “New Voices” playwriting competition and the winners are both University of Oregon students.
Show Information:
Price Range:
$10 Adult | $8 Seniors 65+ | $8 UO Faculty/Staff | $8 Non-UO Students | Free for UO Students
Tickets: tickets.uoregon.edu
Location: Hope Theatre– Eugene (Miller Theatre Complex, University of Oregon)
Event Dates:
Thursday, March 9, 2017 – 8:00pm
Friday, March 10, 2017 – 8:00pm
Saturday, March 11, 2017 – 8:00pm
Thursday, March 16, 2017 – 8:00pm
Friday, March 17, 2017 – 8:00pm
Saturday, March 18, 2017 – 8:00pm
Sunday, March 19, 2017 – 2:00pm
Both titles will be featured each night!
Q&A with the director Joseph Gilg:
- Why did you choose these plays?
These plays chose me; after many years organizing and overseeing the production of the New Voices plays the department asked if I would come back from my retirement to direct this year’s selections for that program. It is a pleasure for me as I love working on new plays and with young playwrights.
- In your estimation, what makes the play commercial? To whom will this play most appeal?
The first play is a topical, “torn from the headlines” story called The Fruit Stand. It is a fictionalized conversation that takes place in the Governor’s Office in Columbia, South Carolina the day after the Charleston Church Shootings. The Governor, Nikki Haley, is getting advice from her Chief Aide and two state congressional leaders on what the official response to the shootings should be. The issue is topical and the event has recently been in the news again due to the trial and sentencing of Dylann Roof and the nomination and confirmation of Nikki Haley as the US Ambassador to the United Nations.
The second play is called On the Street Where We Used to Live and is a good, old-fashioned haunted house story on the surface. Underneath it explores issues of relationships and mental health and the nature of friendship. It is a compelling story that will keep the audience on the edge of their seats.
- Are there any special effects or theatrical elements that are compelling?
The setting for The Fruit Stand will be projected with significant sound and visual effects.
On the Street Where We Used to Live takes place in a raging mid-west thunderstorm with a tornado watch in effect.
- What do you think the public should know about this play?
There is not much about the plays that will need pre-knowledge. These are new plays- world premieres- written by students at the UO. In that sense it will be a novel experience for all involved.
- Are there any personal tie-ins or connections between this play and you or the cast that would make an interesting “human interest” story?
Because The Fruit Stand is so current and Nikki Haley very much in the news we feel a strong connection to the story and the characters.