Euripides’ “Iphigenia in Tauris” @ Weber State University Honors Program & Department of Performing Art (Ogden: Sept 28)

Iphigenia in Tauris: Hitchcockian Thriller! Who: Weber State University Honors Program & Department of Performing Art What: Classical Greek Theatre production: Euripides’ “Iphigenia in Tauris” When: Wednesday, 28 September 2011 • 7:30 pm Where: Wildcat Theater, Shepherd Union Building WSU Honors presents the 41st Annual Classical Greek Theatre Festival production of Euripides’ “Iphigenia in Tauris” at 7:30 pm Wednesday, 28 September, in the Wildcat Theater, Shepherd Union Building. An “Informance” lecture and slide show will be given by Dr. James Svendsen at 6:30 pm in Fireplace Lounge, just around the corner from the Wildcat Theater. Those attending the lecture should purchase their tickets prior to the beginning of the lecture. Jim Svendsen, professor in the University of Utah Department of Languages and Literature, serving as classical consultant and dramaturg, describes this year’s production: “ 'Iphigenia in Tauris’ is set in an exotic land at the fringes of the civilized world. Euripides’ story tells of a near sacrifice of brother by sister, their touching reunion, and a daring escape plan almost foiled by the barbarian king. Combining Hitchcock’s edge-of-your-seat suspense with the rollicking adventure of Indiana Jones and the romance of Shakespeare, ‘Iphigenia in Tauris’ is the most modern, compelling, and comedic of all Greek tragedies. Oh, and there’s music, too.” For those not familiar with the back story Iphigenia was the daughter of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra. Agamemnon, who has insulted Artemis, is told that in order for the winds to allow his fleet to sail to Troy, he must sacrifice Iphigenia to the goddess. Agamemnon lures Iphigenia from home by telling her she will be married to the hero, Achilles. When she discovers the grim truth, she willingly offers her life for the cause. In the original tale, she is sacrificed. Euripides retells the story twice by providing her with a rescue, as a deer is sent by Artemis to take Iphigenia’s place. Weber State has its own connection to this production. Costumes are designed by WSU Theatre adjunct Phillip Lowe and music is provided by Ricklin Nobis, a former WSU adjunct. Choreography is by William Richardson, a WSU alumnus. Another WSU graduate, Elyse Groves, is in the chorus and is also playing Athena. For the last 40 years the CGTF was sponsored by the University of Utah, but 2011 marks the beginning of a new start at Westminster. The festival will celebrate Westminster’s support of a Utah tradition with a tale of murder, gruesome sacrifices, and treachery (more info on page 2). Seating is limited to 220. Tickets are $8/$11 and may be purchased in advance through Dee Events Center Tickets: 1-800-WSU-TIKS or weberstatetickets.com, or at door beginning at 6:00 pm on the night of the performance. For more information about this production, contact Caril Jennings, crjennings@weber.edu or 801 626 6431 Jim Svendsen, 801 581 9706 or jim.svendsen@mac.com After 40 years at the University of Utah, organizers have fond memories, big hopes for new venue FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Feb. 18, 2011 • Contact: Stephanie Carter (801) 832-2682 SALT LAKE CITY – Westminster is proud to be the new home of the Classical Greek Theatre Festival (CGTF), the longest running theater festival of its kind in the country. CGTF is also the only touring Greek festival in the country. For the last 40 years CGTF has been sponsored by the University of Utah. But like Olympian counterparts of old, the torch has been passed to Westminster. “The Classical Greek Theatre Festival is a wonderful part of the culture scene in the Salt Lake Valley and I’m so happy not only that it will continue, but especially that it will be here at Westminster College,” said Dr. Mary Jane Chase, dean of Westminster’s School of Arts and Sciences. Commenting on the move to Westminster, Dr. Raymond Tymas-Jones, dean of the University of Utah’s College of Fine Arts and associate vice president for the arts said, “As we are saddened by the reality that we will no longer host the Greek Theatre at the University of Utah, we rejoice in the fact that the life of this esteemed production will continue in such a great establishment as Westminster College.” “We have the nostalgia of 40 years of great theater behind us and the anticipation of what’s to come in front of us,” said Dr. Jim Svendsen, who serves as classical consultant of CGTF. “It won’t be easy; there will be changes and with those changes come challenges, but we’re excited.” Some of those changes include: a new venue at Westminster, with a scheduled performance each year, open auditions for Westminster students, U of U students and actors from the community, and the possibility in coming years for a new artistic director and producer for the festival. “We’re delighted that on the heels of introducing our theatre major the Classical Greek Theatre Festival will find a home here. It fits in with our curriculum perfectly and presents unique opportunities for our students to get involved,” Dr. Chase said. In the fall of 2011 CGTF will present Euripides’ Iphigenia in Tauris, the further adventures of the eldest daughter of Agamemnon. Set in an exotic land at the edges of the civilized world, we discover that Iphigenia was not sacrificed at Aulis but transported far away to serve the goddess Artemis in a bloody and barbaric cult. The story tells of a near-sacrifice of brother by sister, their moving reunion, and a thrilling escape plan almost foiled by the barbarian king. Though a tragedy by Greek standards, Euripides’ play in many respects looks like the Shakespearean romances with scenes of melodrama and even comedy. About the Classical Greek Theater Festival: The Classical Greek Theatre Festival (CGTF) is an annual theatrical event. Its mission is to introduce and sustain the appreciation of ancient Greek theatre throughout communities and campuses in various southwestern and western states. CGTF is committed to the idea that Greek drama, like Shakespearean drama, has much to offer contemporary audiences. While there are many Shakespearean festivals throughout the USA, there is only one touring Greek festival: The Classical Greek Theatre Festival of Utah. The Classical Greek Theatre Festival was named to reflect a multi-dimensional event that includes not just the theatrical performance but also educational components. These include lectures, post-play discussions, exhibits, symposia, films, and a study guide distributed widely to the general public and to high school and college students.