University of Minnesota, Morris theatre discipline presents "God of Carnage"
MORRIS -- The University of Minnesota, Morris Theatre Discipline enters the second half of its season with the critically acclaimedGod of Carnageby Yasmina Reza—adapted by Christopher Hampton. Siobhan Bremer, associate professor of theatre arts, directs this amusingly outrageous dark comedy that gives audiences a peek into a discussion between two sets of parents addressing their children’s playground altercation.God of Carnagewill be performed nightly from Thursday, Feb. 7, through Saturday, Feb. 9, at 7:30 p.m. in the Humanities Fine Arts Raymond J. Lammers Proscenium Theatre, with an additional matinee at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday.
What begins as a polite exchange over coffee and clafouti quickly escalates into a war zone of hostility, harsh words, and just a hint of alcohol-inspired honesty. When these four parents break down their respectful façade, they spiral into callous behavior and name-calling. This leaves us contemplating what provokes adults to act in more childish ways than their children.
"Don't let the play's title fool you," says Bremer. "In an attempt to smooth over the edges of what the children have done, the parents descend into ridiculously funny behavior."
Additional University faculty and staff assisting Bremer with the production are Nick Mompier, scene shop supervisor and technical director, Merlin Peterson, guest set designer, and Liz Spohr, publicity/costume shop supervisor. Mike Speck and Johanna Gorman-Baer of Movement And Combat Education (MACE) serve as the production’s fight choreographer and assistant fight choreographer, respectively.
The cast of principles bringing to life all the quirks and dysfunctions of the two couples are Nick Brutscher ’14 as Michael Novak, Deon Haider ’14 as Veronica Novak, Lindy Jackson ’15 as Annette Raleigh, and Luis Reyes ’14 as Alan Raleigh. Understudies include Sydney Long ’16, Jonas Newhouse ’16, Hannah Palmer ’16, and Tyler Reuter ’16.
Members of the crew include Gardner Brenneisen ’15, stage manager, Stevie Johnson ’13, assistant stage manager and dramaturg, Sarah Hanson ’15, lighting designer, Brian Mitchell ’16, assistant lighting designer, Jayce Koester ’16, costume designer, Rose Peterson ’16, assistant costume designer, Matt McDonough ’15, sound designer, Hannah Palmer, assistant sound designer, Will Segrest ’15, prop designer, and Becky Hunkins ’15, assistant prop designer.
Tickets—$8 for general admission, $5 for students and senior citizens—are availableonlineor by phone at 320-589-6077. For additional information, pleaseemailthe Theatre Box Office or call 320-589-6249.
