MA
Matthew Allen
  • Musical Theater
  • West Winfield, NY

Matthew Allen of West Winfield in Nazareth College Department of Theatre Arts production of Mad Forest beginning October 19

2012 Oct 4

ROCHESTER, NY (10/04/2012)(readMedia)-- The Nazareth College Department of Theatre Arts and Theatre League will present Mad Forest by Caryl Churchill as the opening production of its 2012-2013 Season. Performance dates and times are October 19, 20, 26, and 27, 2012 at 8 p.m., and October 21 and 28, 2012 at 2 p.m., in the Callahan Theater.

The Mad Forest cast, production team, and design team consist entirely of Nazareth College students, including Matthew Allen from West Winfield, who has been cast as Gabriel.

Churchill, author of Cloud Nine and Top Girls, is amongst the greatest playwrights in the world and known for her experimental and feminist work.

Mad Forest tells the story of two families struggling to overcome great obstacles in the wake of the Romanian Revolution of 1989. The play's events take place before, during, and after the overthrow of government leader Nicolae Ceau?escu. Dr. Matt Ames, Nazareth College assistant professor of theatre arts/acting and history, and director of Mad Forest, explains the significance of this piece, "In an election year, some of the issues that Romanians faced under communism and in the ensuing months and years after the execution of the Ceau?escu seem, to me, particularly relevant."

Mad Forest is told in three acts, each one representing a specific time in the course of the Revolution. The play truly embodies the effects of the Revolution on the Romanian people, beginning with moments of silent fear and ending with utter chaos.

Mad Forest reminds audiences of the difference between having choice and freedom versus fear and silence. Although the Revolution takes place in another country, the audience is likely to draw connections between the political issues in Romania in 1989, and those in today's American society, Ames offers. "Religious freedom, free speech, redistribution of wealth...these are all issues addressed in the play, and certainly are still important to American audiences," he states.

Tickets

Tickets to Mad Forest are $10-$12. For tickets, call – or visit – the Box Office: 585-389-2170 or order online: artscenter.naz.edu.

The Nazareth College Arts Center Box Office is located on campus, at 4245 East Avenue, Rochester, New York, 14618. Regular box office hours are Monday- Friday, 11am – 5pm, and for one hour prior to curtain time for Theatre Arts Department performances.

About Nazareth College

Nazareth is a coeducational, independent college on a suburban campus just outside Rochester, N.Y. The College challenges students to rise to their potential with a liberal arts and sciences foundation, professional programs, experiential learning, and an innovative curriculum that addresses the current and emerging needs of the world - ranging from economics to physical therapy to environmental science. With more than 40 undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education programs, a vibrant arts center and a variety of athletics, clubs and organizations, Nazareth prepares students to be successful professionals and engaged citizens. For more information, visit naz.edu.

About the Nazareth College Department of Theatre Arts

The Department of Theatre Arts at teaches theatre in a liberal arts context developing a student's skills in critical thinking, analysis, reasoning and communication. The program hones students' talents and prepares them for a life in the arts. The Department of Theatre Arts' play season has often been listed among the top 10 nationally by The Princeton Review. This year features productions including Mad Forest, Ordinary Days, Plaza Suite, and The Threepenny Opera. Like every year, all the roles, scenery, costumes, and lighting will be designed and built by department faculty and students. For more information, visit naz.edu/theatre-arts.

About the Nazareth College Arts Center

For more than 40 years, the Nazareth College Arts Center has served as a venue and educational resource for students, educators, visual and performing artists, and audiences to create, study, and experience all areas of the arts. These cultural programs support the College's curriculum in music, art, and theatre arts, and provide area residents with opportunities to experience exceptional dance, children's theatre, and international entertainment.

The Nazareth College Arts Center is a nonprofit institution; attracts more than 80,000 adults and children annually; is the premier presenter of world-class dance, children's theatre, and international entertainment in Rochester; is the performance home of Rochester City Ballet and world-renowned Garth Fagan Dance, as well as the home of Rochester Children's Theatre and Bach Children's Chorus; houses the Nazareth College departments of art, music, and theatre arts, which present exceptional theatre productions, musicals, operas, recitals, and art exhibitions each year (events are open to the public); serves as a venue for auditions, art classes, music lessons, recitals, fundraisers, lectures, community theater productions, camps, workshops, and graduations; provides access to master classes, school performances, and subscription series shows for underserved youth; and presents an annual Dance Festival each July. For additional information, visit artscenter.naz.edu.