Valpo Department of Theatre presents “˜Circle Mirror Transformation’
“Circle Mirror Transformation,” a journey through the lives of four theatre students and their teacher, will be presented by the Valparaiso University Department of Theatre starting Wednesday, Feb. 22. The production will run through Sunday, Feb. 26. Performances on Feb. 22 through Feb. 24 will be at 8 p.m. and performances on Feb. 25 and Feb. 26 will be at 2 p.m. All performances will be held in the Studio Theatre.
As the winner of the 2010 Obie Award for Best New American Play, “Circle Mirror Transformation” follows the story of four individuals who enroll in a community center drama class. Their creative teacher, Marty, played by Ali McLaughlin, believes in the transformational power of theatre games, which they play throughout the course of their class. Ultimately, they end up playing a game called circle mirror transformation, which serves as a reflection of the changes that occur in their lives.
The class includes Theresa, played by freshman theatre major Keaton Stewart, who is new to the town of Vermont and a former actress. Shultz, played by National Theatre Honor Society member Mike Melvin, is a lonely divorcee who lives in the local condo complex. Lauren, a pouty teenager who thinks she wants to be an actress, is played by freshman Allison Grischow. James, the drama teacher’s husband, is played by sophomore Michael Mead.
Heralded by critics as “an absolute feast” and as “absorbing, unblinking, and sharply funny,” the play follows these students’ voyages through their theatre class as they explore life in a new way.
Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for senior citizens and non-Valpo students. Admission is free for Valpo faculty, staff and students. Visit valpo.edu/TheArts or call 219.464.5162 to purchase tickets.
About Valparaiso University
Valparaiso University is a comprehensive independent Lutheran university with more than 4,000 students on its campus located in Northwest Indiana, an hour from Chicago. Valpo is a community of purpose-driven, service-minded and ethical individuals who embrace the pursuit of truth with freedom, humility and compassion. Valpo has been identified as one of the top master’s-level institutions in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report magazine for the past 22 years. Valparaiso University offers 110 undergraduate academic programs through the colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business Administration, Engineering and Nursing. Valpo also has a distinguished honors college, a School of Law and more than 40 degree and certificate programs in its Graduate School and Continuing Education Division. Valpo has been recognized for its commitment to outstanding teaching, preparing thoughtful leaders with strong cross-cultural skills and global awareness, and dedication to serving others.
