FIU presents 2010 Alternative Summer Theatre Festival

FIU Theatre kicks off this summer’s Alternative Theatre Summer Festival (ATSF) June 23. Created in 2006 by FIU Theatre professors Phillip Church and Marina Pareja, ATSF offers a mix of feisty and irreverent performances, provocative productions, international writers, musicals and early works by local authors.

The goal of the festival is to bring together on stage a representation of Miami’s cultural diversity. With the ability to produce performances both in English and Spanish, ATSF appeals to diverse audiences.

Church serves as artistic director, and Pareja is associate director. “This summer, the festival is giving students an opportunity to direct, as well as design and perform,” said Church. “This is a big move forward. They will still be mentored, but the students will be in the driver’s seat which is what the Alternative Theater Festival set out to establish.

“We’re also presenting three very diverse plays. Each year since 2006, we’ve only produced one major play. Now we are offering the community, and by extension, student actors, the chance to experience three plays,” he added.

FIU SUMMER 2010 ALTERNATIVE THEATRE SUMMER FESTIVAL

TOP GIRLS

Playing June 23–27 Written by Caryl Churchill; Directed by Shani Bernard

Marlene has been promoted to managing director of a London employment agency and she’s celebrating. The symbolic luncheon is attended by women who offer perspectives on maternity and ambition. In a time warp, these ladies are also her co-workers, clients and relatives. Marlene, like her famous guests, has had to pay a price to ascend from proletarian roots to the executive suite: she has become, figuratively speaking, a male oppressor and even coaches female clients on adopting odious male traits. Marlene has also abandoned her illegitimate and dull-witted daughter. Her emotional and sexual life has become as barren as Lady Macbeth’s.

A BICYCLE COUNTRY

Playing July 7–11 Written by Nilo Cruz; Directed by Marina Pareja

Three characters whose lives seem to be going nowhere set out to build a dream, even if that dream seems perilous. This stirring portrait of three Cuban exiles and their harrowing journey across the Caribbean examines the universal themes of freedom and oppression, hope and survival.

PRODIGAL – The Execution of William Spencer

Playing July 21–25 Written by Edward G. Excaliber; Directed by Scott Hinz

“The beginning is so vivid somehow. So real. The beginning is a lot like the end…you just don’t know that yet.” William Spencer is living his last day on Earth. He has waited 18 years on Death Row for this day. As the pounding thunder and blinding lightning creep through the lone window, William must relive his most painful fears and shattered memories. Discover his darkest secrets as he drifts closer and closer to the end. A heart-wrenching story of a man’s tumultuous life, his horrifying crime and his ultimate demise. William urges you to come see him off. “Crooks. Liars. Cowards!”

EVENT INFORMATION

VENUE: Florida International University
Modesto A. Maidique Campus
DM 150 Studio Theater
10910 S.W. 17 St.
Miami, FL 33199

PERFORMANCES: Wednesday–Saturday 8 p.m.; Sunday 5 p.m.

TICKETS: $10 General Admission

TICKETS & INFORMATION: 305-348-0496