Spring’s Awakening, by Frank Wedekind, is a forceful portrayal of the sexual struggles of adolescents and an indictment of the adults who hide from, lie to, pressure, and punish them for their sexuality.
Written in 1891, the play was long censored in its complete form and did not receive an uncensored production in English until 1972. The play’s depiction of adolescent sexuality and the misery that follows from its frustration can be tender, funny, brutal, and even shocking, 125 years after its writing. It remains relevant to teens and adults today, with its questions about rape and consent, birth control and abortion, and ignorance and knowledge. Wedekind is often recognized as the father of Expressionism in the theatre, and Spring’s Awakening is composed of jarring juxtapositions. The UA production makes full use of these contrasts—highly realistic scenes alternating with grotesque farce and dark abstraction—in its set, costume, and acting work, making for an exciting and contemporary event.
Sandefur Theatre – Guzzetta Hall
March 2, 3 & 4, 2017 | 7:30 PM
March 5 & 11, 2017 | 2:00 PM
March 9, 10 & 11, 2017 | 7:30 PM
$12 general admission
$10 senior/alumni/faculty/staff
$6 students
Phone: (330) 972-7895
Email: administration.arts@gmail.com
2017/03/02 - 2017/03/11
Guzzetta Hall - University of Akron
157 University Ave., Akron, OH 44325
Parking for audience members attending evening and weekend performances is free in the E.J. Thomas Hall deck when there is not an event in that venue. Handicap-accessible parking for audience members is available in all lots, including the residential surface lot across from Guzzetta Hall.