September 5, 2003

Drama and Speech kicks off season with Lillian Hellman's Children's Hour

One of the great successes of the distinguished writer Lillian Hellman, The Children's Hour comes to life in all its fascination under the direction of guest artist Anne Kauffman. In a private school for girls, Mary Tilford accuses Karen Wright and Martha Dobie of having an "abnormal attachment" for one another. Acting in what she believes to be the students' best interests, Mary's grandmother and major financial supporter of the Wright-Dobie School destroys the school along with the teachers' self-worth. Later it is discovered that the gossip was pure invention, but by that time irreparable damage has been done.

Information/gossip/rumors changes the way we see each other, the way we look at one another, what we witness in one another, what we see that we've never before seen, what we no longer choose to see. Is there an actual physical change, or is it merely perceived? What are the blanks we fill in, the pictures we create in our heads that get projected onto the outside world? New York director Anne Kauffman will create this fragile world in the Marquette Theater October 2 - 5.

Hellman survived the damage wrought by the House Un-American Activities Committee, the government body responsible for revealing and persecuting enemies of the state. Hellman turned the mirror of condemnation around to face the United States government when she stated, "To hurt innocent people whom I knew many years ago in order to save myself is, to me, inhuman and indecent and dishonorable. I cannot and will not cut my conscience to fit this year's fashions"

Theatre at Loyola originated with the Thespian Troupe in 1849. Continuing a long tradition of dedication to the training of the future theatre artist and audiences of tomorrow, Loyola Theatre focuses on the training of the undergraduate student while offering diverse and exceptional theatre entertainment to the New Orleans community.

General admission is $12, and $8 for students, children and senior citizens. Group rates available. For more information, call the Department of Drama and Speech at 865-3840.