Eastern Theater Presents Spring Production, Rhinoceros, March 17-20

St. Davids, PA, March 2, 2016: Eastern University Theater presents Rhinoceros by Eugene Ionesco, as its annual spring performance. The play is

translated by Derek Prouse and presented by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc. Performances run Thursday, March 17 through Saturday, March 19, 2016 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, March 20 at 3 p.m. in McInnis Auditorium. Tickets are $10 general admission, $8 for students and seniors, and free admission for Eastern University students with a valid ID. Advance tickets can be purchased online at: easternarts.ticketleap.com.

On a Sunday morning in Paris, Berenger converses with a friend at a café until suddenly a rhinoceros runs by, creating ensuing chaos. Gradually, more and more rhinoceroses appear in town until it is discovered that people are turning into these aggressive, stampeding beasts. After witnessing his friend Jean’s transformation and being powerless to stop it, Berenger is left alone to face the world. Will he retain his human identity or join the masses?

In Martin Esslin’s landmark book, The Theatre of the Absurd, he describes the origin of Ionesco’s play—“It has been said that Rhinoceros represents Ionesco’s feelings before he left Rumania in 1938, when more and more of his acquaintances adhered to the Fascist movement of the Iron Guard.” Director, Jenny Tibbels, conveys her choice of staging this production as “a call to consciousness in a world where we increasingly witness the powerful influence of mob mentality and the degradation of humanity that can ensue.”

Rhinoceros

by Eugene Ionesco

translated by Derek Prouse

presented by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc.

Director: Jenny Tibbels

Technical Director: Stephen Wiseley

Assistant Director: Olivia Jacabella

Stage Manager: Matt Thiemsen

Scenic Designer: Stephen Wiseley

Lighting Designer: Lily Fossner

Costume Designer: Millie Hiibel

Sound Designer: Neil Thorsen

Starring: Anabelle Cacciatore, Parker DeSautell, Stephen Gordon, Caitlyn Hinkle, Benjamin Linskens, Jared Maier, Patience Nkrumah, Kathryn Notley, Carly Nuneviller, Temi Oladeji, Rachel Sparks, Liz Stevens & Lynnae Stine

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About Eastern University Theater

Eastern University’s Theater Program provides students with an opportunity to learn and grow artistically through rigorous coursework and collaborative training. The program is designed for students with varying levels of experience who want to try something new or continue honing their craft at an advanced level of training through the Theater Minor. Students who participate in Theater courses or productions develop skills in self-expression, communication, and collaboration, preparing them for success in a range of fields. The goals of the Theater Program are to: provide students with quality theater education, develop the spiritual lives of students through theater making, prepare students for graduate training and/or employment in the theater professions as artistic leaders, and to engage students with the larger theater community of neighboring educational institutions and the professional theater industry in Philadelphia. Visit us online at eastern.edu/theater

About Eastern University

Eastern University is a Philadelphia Christian university of the arts and sciences located in the western suburbs of Philadelphia at 1300 Eagle Road in St. Davids, PA. Eastern enrolls approximately 3,800 students in its undergraduate, graduate, professional, urban, Seminary and international programs. Its core values of faith, reason and justice are woven into all of its educational programs. For more information visit www.eastern.edu or contact Denise McMillan, Communications Director, 610-341-4365, dmcmill@eastern.edu.