Willimantic, Conn. – Eastern Connecticut State University’s Theatre Program and Drama Society will present “Dancing At Lughnasa” written by Ireland’s renowned playwright Brian Friel, in the Harry Hope Theatre in Shafer Hall. The play, directed by assistant professor of theatre J.J. Cobb, will run Oct. 10-13 and Oct. 15-16 (Thursday-Saturday at 7:30 p.m.; Tuesday-Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.) with a 4 p.m. matinee on Oct. 13. The public is invited. Admission is $5 for students and groups of 10 or more; $10 for Eastern faculty, staff, alumni and senior citizens; and $12 for the general public.
The play is “set in County Donegal in 1936, and explores five sisters at a crossroads in their lives,” says Performing Arts Department chair David Pellegrini. “Through humor, colorful dialogue and beautifully-drawn characterizations, this Tony Award-winning play delves into the bonds of sisterhood, faith, social change in Ireland between the two world wars.”
Reflecting upon the script, Cobb says, “This is one of my favorite plays of all time. I’ve had a true affection for this story since seeing the original production more than 20 years ago. I’ve waited to direct it until the moment when I could gather the right ensemble, to be led primarily by a core of strong, open and passionate women. Now is that moment.”
An opening night gala for ticket holders will be held at 6 p.m. in the Akus Gallery in Shafer Hall. Featuring Irish music, the event is being co-sponsored by the Performing Arts Department, the Women’s Center and the Intercultural Center.
For more information on “Dancing At Lughnasa,” call the University Box Office at (860) 465-5123 or email Ellen Brodie at brodiee@easternct.edu.
Eastern Connecticut State University is the state’s public liberal arts university and serves approximately 5,400 students each year on its Willimantic campus and satellite locations.
It is the policy of Eastern Connecticut State University to ensure equal access to its events. If you are an individual with a disability and will need accommodations for this event, please contact the Office of University Relations at (860) 465-5735.