U of L’s Theatre Arts Department is kicking off its 2015-2016 season with Naomi Iizuka’s “Polaroid Stories.” Iizuka brings street reality to stage with her documentation of interviews from prostitutes, runaways and homeless youth.
The framework of “Polaroid Stories” is partly adapted from Ovid’s “Metamorphoses,” a collection of stories, written in Latin, narrating the creation of mankind through the lens of Classical mythology.
Each character tells a different story, but often their identities are told through a string of lies. This effect fades out stereotypes and brings the reality of Iizuka’s interviews into focus.
In an earlier press release, director Laura Early commented,”The characters in ‘Polaroid Stories’ tell stories to get what they want and to survive a harsh economic and social environment. Their individual and collective stories reveal their shared humanity, transforming the storyteller and the audience.”
In addition to their character roles, theatre arts student-cast members also composed choreography, beat boxing, vocal percussion and songs to the soundscape.
The Thrust Theatre stage will feature an 8-foot circular revolve, and the lighting will suspend a dark ominous feel. The mix of lighting was designed by theatre arts student Will Dyre and made effective by Kevin Gawley, assistant professor and scenic designer.
Performances begin next Wednesday, Oct. 21-23 and Oct 25-26 at 8 p.m. with a matinée showing Oct. 26 3 p.m.
Tickets are $15 for general admission, $12 for faculty, staff, alumni and seniors and $8 for students. Season tickets are $60. To order tickets or for more information, call the box office at 502- 852-6814 or visit www.louisville.edu/theatrearts.
