New adaptation of Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice premieres at UConn
Alexandra Perlwitz as Elizabeth Bennet and Kevin Coubal as Mr. Darcy in Connecticut Repertory Theatre’s production of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice playing in the Nafe Katter Theatre, Storrs, Feb. 24 – March 6. Photo by Bob Copley, Jr.
The Connecticut Repertory Theatre (CRT), located on the UConn campus, will present Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice from Feb. 24 through March 6, 2011 in the Nafe Katter Theatre.
CRT is presenting the East Coast premiere of this exciting new stage adaptation.
The works of Jane Austen have been read and adapted for almost 200 years, but no adaptation has been more popular or illuminating than the recent translation to the stage of Pride and Prejudice by Joseph Hanreddy and J.R. Sullivan.
This version captures Austen’s cleverness and fervor in the telling of this witty, elegant, sharply observed and richly rendered love story in which the Bennets, an early 19th Century, British middle-class family with no sons and five eligible daughters must find them husbands.
Jane, Elizabeth, Mary, Kitty, and Lydia Bennet are all awaiting the day a wealthy bachelor sweeps them off their feet. When the Bingleys arrive, the Bennets are thrilled. Young Mr. Bingley is an eligible bachelor and Mrs. Bennet is sure one of her daughters will be his match.
Yet when Mr. Bingley arrives at the public ball with his sister and close friend Mr. Darcy, the encounters are not what the Bennets expected.
Despite all the complications and obstacles, despite their pride and prejudice, Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy are drawn together in one of the most romantic stories ever told.
(For tickets and information, call 860-486-4226 or visit www.crt.uconn.edu )
Director Helene Kvale said, “It is a delight to be working on a period piece that engenders such a passionate response amongst contemporary audiences. Austen’s beautifully constructed narrative, wrapped in wit and irony, is not just a romance, but a subtle commentary on 1811 English domestic life. In the context of revolutionary upheaval abroad, Pride & Prejudice raises questions about the marriage market and the strictures of class and gender. We are drawn in by Austen’s gloriously portrayed characters, rich in dimension and humor.”
Dramaturg Dassia Posner said, “There is something wonderful about experiencing Austen directly, for the audience and for the actors who are studying 19th century life from card games to embroidery to literature, including an understanding of how class and gender impacted relationships. We are going to continue this hands-on approach to Austen with audience dance workshops and an afternoon tea at the Nathan Hale Inn.”
Enjoy some “UnCommon Sense”
CRT’s “Uncommon Sense” Series is a collection of events, many of which are free and open to everyone, that investigate a variety of topics through performing art.
For regular updates on all “Uncommon Sense” Series events, sign up for CRT’s electronic newsletter at www.crt.uconn.edu, or call (860) 486-4226 for information.
For Pride and Prejudice, CRT will sponsor the following special events:
Dancing with Jane Austen
Join us for a free class in dance from Jane Austen’s period – learn about the mood, music and moves, and practice a few steps: on Sunday, Feb. 27, 2011 at 12:30 p.m. (finish in time for the 2 p.m. matinee) and on Tuesday, March 1 at 6 p.m. (will finish in time for the 7:30 p.m. performance). Held in Room 128 of the UConn drama building (just down the hall from the Nafe Katter Theatre).
The dance workshop will be led by Math Professor, Q Center Director and Austen fan Tom Roby, who teaches “Jane Austen Dances” at UConn.
Call 860-486-1629 for your reservation – space is limited.
High Tea at the Nathan Hale Inn
Join us for this traditional “meal” featuring a menu specially prepared by the Nathan Hale Inn and including music and a celebration of the tradition of Tea in British culture on Sunday, Feb. 27, immediately following the 2 p.m. matinee at the Blue Oak Café of the Nathan Hale Inn – with Director Helene Kvale, Dramaturg Dassia Posner, guest scholars and musicians
The cost is $25 per person, payable in advance by calling the Nathan Hale Inn at 860-427-7888 and requesting “High Tea” reservations. Advance reservations are required.
Posted Feb. 12, 2011
