Strategic Communications and Marketing News Bureau

University of Illinois theatre department season based on themes of free expression, censorship

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Freedom of expression has been a hot topic on the University of Illinois campus in the last couple of years, from a chancellor vilified online for deciding not to cancel classes during a winter storm to a potential faculty member rejected for a job because of tweets to which some people objected.

Illinois Theatre saw the events as an opportunity to explore the notion of free expression. Its 2015-16 season is based on the theme “Free Expression: Censored,” and features plays that have been censored or banned.

“To some extent, this is a response to actions that have occurred over the past year or so,” said Jeffrey Eric Jenkins, head of the department of theatre. “When you look at theater across the centuries, (freedom of expression) is a recurring theme and challenge.”

“Theater done by a university department should be adding to the intellectual conversation on campus,” said Tom Mitchell, associate head of the theatre department.

Mitchell is directing the first play of the season, a production of “1984.” It’s a new adaptation by Michael Gene Sullivan, an author with the San Francisco Mime Troupe, which specializes in theater addressing political and social issues.

“To find an adaptation of the work that was edgy, available and doable on our stage seemed just right,” Mitchell said.

“1984” opens Oct. 15 and runs through Oct. 17 and Oct. 22-25 at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts.

The Other Shore” opens Oct. 22. The play features an allegorical journey, with an ensemble cast portraying characters who represent different aspects of a man’s life. The playwright, Gao Xingjian, won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2000. “The Other Shore” was banned in China but has been presented around the world.

Mitchell noted the theatre department has a growing number of Chinese students, and it is important to reach out to that population on campus.

The other plays that will be presented this season, during the spring semester, are “Kingdom City,” “The Grapes of Wrath” and “In the Blood.”

“Kingdom City” is based on a true story of a high school teacher directing her students in “The Crucible.” It deals with the question of what work is appropriate for high school students.

“In the Blood” is a modern interpretation of “The Scarlet Letter.” Mitchell said the theatre department has wanted to produce a play by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Suzan-Lori Parks for some time.

“We hope people will think about the topics being played out before them and ask themselves, ‘Is this controversial? Is this something that should be or should have been suppressed?’ And we want audiences to think about the things we now are suppressing that are taboo and that our culture tells us shouldn’t be talked about in the public square,” Jenkins said.

The department hopes to develop some additional events around the plays to engage the audience beyond the stage.

Editor’s notes: To reach Jeffrey Eric Jenkins, email jej@illinois.edu. To reach Tom Mitchell, email tomitche@illinois.edu. For information about the plays, go to krannertcenter.com.

Read Next

Life sciences Portrait of the research team posing together.

Minecraft players can now explore whole cells and their contents

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Scientists have translated nanoscale experimental and computational data into precise 3D representations of bacteria, yeast and human epithelial, breast and breast cancer cells in Minecraft, a video game that allows players to explore, build and manipulate structures in three dimensions. The innovation will allow researchers and students of all ages to navigate […]

Arts Photo of seven dancers onstage wearing blue tops and orange or yellow flowing skirts. The backdrop is a Persian design.

February Dance includes works experimenting with live music, technology and a ‘sneaker ballet’

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The dance department at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign will present February Dance 2025: Fast Forward this week at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. February Dance will be one of the first performances in the newly renovated Colwell Playhouse Theatre since its reopening. The performances are Jan. 30-Feb. 1. Dance professor […]

Honors portraits of four Illinois researchers

Four Illinois researchers receive Presidential Early Career Award

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Four researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign were named recipients of the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers, the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government on young professionals at the outset of their independent research careers. The winners this year are health and kinesiology professor Marni Boppart, physics professor Barry Bradlyn, chemical and biomolecular engineering professor Ying […]

Strategic Communications and Marketing News Bureau

507 E. Green St
MC-426
Champaign, IL 61820

Email: stratcom@illinois.edu

Phone (217) 333-5010