LIVE ONSTAGE
Play showcases return to the stage for the 60th season
East Carolina University students will once again perform live this week with the opening of “The Visit” in McGinnis Theatre.
The station master is one of 40 characters in ECU’s production of “The Visit.”
In the German dark comedy, a wealthy woman returns to her debt-ridden hometown with a plan for revenge. Her absurd demands are denied at first, followed by the gradual corruption of the small town and its citizens.
Joining ECU as guest director of “The Visit” is New York City-based director, writer and filmmaker Kimille Howard. She is an assistant stage director at the Metropolitan Opera, the artistic director of the Lucille Lortel Theatre’s NYC Public High School Playwriting Fellowship, and a co-founder of the Black Classical Music Archive.
“‘The Visit’ is timeless in its questioning of society’s thresholds for morality, loyalty and justice when survival and happiness are at stake,” Howard said. “With over 40 characters, it has been an exciting process working with our exceptionally talented cast to bring to life the town of Güllen and its colorful townsfolk. This is truly an ensemble piece of operatic proportions, and our wonderfully collaborative cast is adding their unique talents as musicians, singers, dancers and more to the production.”
Tatiana Burrus, a junior theatre student from Durham, said working with Howard has helped open her eyes to new possibilities in a performing arts career. “I have learned how to navigate the world of theatre, and how to really dive deep into every script I read and character I play.”
“The Visit,” written by Friedrich Durrenmatt and adapted by Maurice Valency, will be the first in-person production since the beginning of the pandemic for the ECU School of Theatre and Dance and ECU/Loessin Playhouse. It will also usher in ECU’s 60th performing season.
“We are thrilled to be able to invite audiences back into McGinnis Theatre,” said Jayme K. Host, director of theatre and dance. “It’s been a long year and we are excited to return to our practice of sharing the exceptional talent of our students, faculty and staff with our patrons through our mainstage productions. We have missed seeing our patrons and the unique potency of live, embodied, shared performance.”
Shows are at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Face coverings are required. Tickets are $15 for the public, $12 for ECU faculty and staff and $10 for ECU students. Tickets are available online or by calling the box office at 252-328-6829.
The season will continue with the annual fall dance concert, Dance @ Wright, on Oct. 23-24 at Wright Auditorium. Other planned performances are “Head Over Heels,” “Pippin,” the spring dance concert and “Romeo & Juliet.” More information is available here.
A wealthy woman intent on revenge returns to her hometown in “The Visit.”