The University of Akron Theatre Program presents “The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui,” Bertolt Brecht’s classic parody of power and corruption.
The UA production of “The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui” will engage spectators in the action, immersing them in the decadent violence of Prohibition-era Chicago. A city of jazz and gangsters, corruption and deception, poverty and the unmet desire for opulence, Chicago in the Great Depression serves up prime conditions for a small-time crook like Arturo Ui to hit it big and make a name for himself. A response to the rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party in Germany prior to World War II, Brecht’s “The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui” is a satirical allegory, confronting notions of tyrant and bystander, ambition and ignorance, propaganda and truth. It poses the timely question: how does a society allow a dictator to rise?
Director James Slowiak says “Each night in rehearsal, the cast and I are searching for the right stylistic response to Brecht’s brilliant script to make it accessible, entertaining, and informative as we watch current events unfold, wince from attacks on America’s democratic systems, and anxiously anticipate the 2020 elections.”
Performance dates for “The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui” are October 31, November 1, 2, 7, 8, 9 at 7:30 P.M. and November 3 & 9 at 2:00 P.M. All performances take place in Sandefur Theatre, Guzzetta Hall, located at 157 University Avenue, Akron OH (across the street from E.J. Thomas Hall). Tickets are $10 for general admission and $5 for all students. To purchase tickets online, visit resistibleUA.eventbrite.com. You may also make reservations by calling the ticket office at (330) 972-7895 or emailing administration.arts@gmail.com. UA alumni are encouraged to attend the production on Alumni Night, Friday, November 1, when they and one guest will be admitted for the student price of $5 each. Additionally, UA Student Appreciation Night will take place on Thursday, November 7. On this night, all members of the UA community are invited to a pre- show reception and UA residential students will receive one complimentary ticket. For more information on all show events visit uakron.edu/dtaa/performances. Please be advised that this performance contains strong and mature language.
Phone: 330-972-7895
Email: administration.arts@gmail.com
2019/10/31 - 2019/11/09
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.