RICHARDSON, Texas (Oct. 19, 2005) — University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) faculty member Venus Opal Reese will direct an adaptation of the Euripides’ classic tragedy Medea the weekends of Nov. 4-6 and Nov. 11-13 in the University Theatre on campus. Friday and Saturday performances start at 8 p.m., while Sunday performances will begin at 2:30 p.m.

Reese, who will use the English translation of Medea by Nicholas Rudall of the University of Chicago, has set her adaptation of the tragedy against the backdrop of the Antebellum South. Reese asks such questions as: “Is Love ownership? Who can be bought and sold? Who has the right to give life or take it away? Are your children your property? Is your husband or wife truly yours? Are citizens the property of the state – or slaves? Is anyone truly free?” The UTD production seeks to answer those questions. Using dance, vocals and poetry, the themes of love, citizenship and property elucidate this timeless classic in an American context.

  
An adaptation of the classic tragedy Medea, directed by UTD faculty member Venus Opal Reese, is set in the Antebellum South and examines subtleties of love and property.

Choreography will be provided by UTD faculty members Monica Saba and Michele Hanlon.

Due to graphic and violent content, this production is for adult audiences only.

The UTD performances of Medea will be sponsored in part by the Carl J. Thomsen Fund for Student Enrichment.  Tickets for the show are $15 for general admission and free to UTD students with a valid identification. UTD ticket office hours are from 2 to 5 p.m. Mondays to Fridays and at the door one hour prior to show time. To purchase tickets using Visa, MasterCard or Discover, please call 972-883-2552. More information about this play can be found at http://ah.utdallas.edu/season0506/medea.htm

For information about the many musical, arts, theatre, dance and other performances and exhibitions held throughout the year at UTD, please call 972-UTD-ARTS (972-883-2787), e-mail utdarts@utdallas.edu, or visit the School of Arts and Humanities’ website at http://ah.utdallas.edu/. Persons with disabilities needing special accommodations may call 972-883-2982, Texas Relay Operator: 1-800-RELAYVV.

About UTD

The University of Texas at Dallas, located at the convergence of Richardson, Plano and Dallas in the heart of the complex of major multinational technology corporations known as the Telecom Corridor®, enrolls more than 14,000 students. The school’s freshman class traditionally stands at the forefront of Texas state universities in terms of average SAT scores. The university offers a broad assortment of bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs. For additional information about UTD, please visit the university’s website at www.utdallas.edu.