New Adaptation of a Classic Spanish Drama Opens at University Theatre

Photo Submitted

The Department of Theatre in the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences presents Life is a Dream, opening this Friday.

Two travelers in a mystical world discover a prince who has spent his life locked away alone because of an ominous prophecy. Together, the strangers grapple with family turmoil and their own destinies in this whimsical tale. The play was written by Pedro Calderón de la Barca and first published in Spain in the 1630s. However, the Department of Theatre production is an original adaptation of this Spanish Golden Age drama, adapted by M.F.A. directing candidate Jeremiah Albers.

Albers is also directing the production as his 3rd year thesis project. The show features a cast of graduate and undergraduate students, with scenic design by M.F.A candidate Austin Aschbrenner, costume design by M.F.A. candidate Kelsey Looney, lighting design by assistant professor Shawn D. Irish, and sound design by M.F.A. candidate Eric Armstrong. Assistant professor Jason Burrow is the music director, and choreography was done by Gail Leftwich, dance instructor for the Department of Theatre.

Life is a Dream opens Friday, Feb. 16 at the University Theatre in the Fine Arts Center on campus. The performance will begin at 7:30 p.m. Additional performances are Saturday, Feb. 17 at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 18 at 2 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 21 through Saturday, Feb. 24 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 25 at 2 p.m. Ticket prices are $20 for adults; $16 for faculty, staff and seniors; and $5 for students and children under the age of 18. University of Arkansas students may attend the show free on Feb. 21 and 22. Tickets are available at theatre.uark.edu or at the box office 90 minutes prior to each performance.

For questions, please email theatre@uark.edu or call (479) 575-4752. For parking information and directions to the University Theatre, please visit fulbright.uark.edu/departments/theatre/box-office-information.