The University of Minnesota Morris Theatre Discipline is pleased to announce its 2023-2024 season, featuring three dynamic and compelling productions.
Opening the season is Henrik Ibsen’s dramatic landmark A Doll's House, directed by Professor of Theatre Arts Ray Schultz. The play tells the story of Nora
Helmer, a loving mother and wife to Torvald Helmer. From the exterior, the Helmers are the perfect family, but Nora holds a dangerous secret. In order to save her husband’s life, Nora has committed a financial crime–one that threatens the very existence of her marriage. Faced with the impending threat of exposure and her own disillusionment with her husband, Nora must navigate the tribulations of life as a woman in the society in which she lives. Henrik Ibsen's classic drama about a woman's search for personal autonomy shocked audiences when it first premiered in 1879 and still remains relevant almost 150 years later. Nora's journey to self-discovery causes her to defy the male-dominated norms of 19th century European society and climaxes in what was called "the door slam heard round the world." Performances will take place in the George C. Fosgate Black Box Theatre, Nov. 9-11 at 7:30 p.m., with an additional matinee on Nov. 11 at 2 p.m.
The season continues with the annual Meiningens Student Theatre production. This year Theatre Arts major Bria Teasley '24, Minneapolis, will direct The Trail
to Oregon!, a musical by Jeff Blim, Matt Lang, and Nick Lang. This comedy-musical parodies the classic video game series The Oregon Trail and combines improvisational hilarity with audience interaction as they follow a family and their challenges on the Oregon Trail. This production runs Feb. 8-9 at 7:30 p.m., and Feb. 10 at 1 p.m. in the Raymond J. Lammers Proscenium Theatre.
To close out the season, Theatre Arts major Abby Koel '24, Pillager, will direct the annual children’s show. This year’s offering is Tortoise vs. Hare 2: This Time It's Personal! by Sean Abley. This comedy is a witty, contemporary spin on the classic Aesop’s fable. It follows the great-grandkids of the famous Tortoise and Hare as they are talked into a rematch by their friends, to take place on live TV. This fun, competitive but lighthearted retelling of the classic tale is one to which people of all ages can connect. Public performances will take place April 12 at 7 p.m. and April 13 at 1 p.m. in the Raymond J. Lammers Proscenium Theatre, with additional invited school matinees April 10-12 and 15-17.
For more information about these productions or invited school performances, please contact the UMN Morris Theatre Publicity and Box Office at 320-589-6274 or via email at thrpub@morris.umn.edu.