The final show in the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Theatre and Dance Department’s season is “Orlando” by Virginia Woolf and adapted by Sarah Ruhl.
Performances are April 25-27 at 7:30 p.m. and matinees on April 27-28 at 2:00 p.m.; however, the performance on Sunday, April 28 at 2:00 p.m. is already sold out. The show is performing at the Frederick Theatre in Morris Hall.
The Racquet Press sat down with the show’s director, Dr. Nic Barilar (He/Him), to get insight into what “Orlando” is all about.
“Orlando” is a novel written by Virginia Woolf. It revolves around a young man, named Orlando, born in the 1500s during Queen Elizabeth’s reign. The novel ends in the 1900s, and Orlando has become a woman.
“There is no explanation given for the transformation, nor is there any explanation given for the fact that four hundred years passed, and Orlando only ages a couple of years. It’s just sort of accepted,” said Barilar.
Barilar mentioned “Orlando” has many messages, including accepting others, accepting life’s possibilities, and seeing the world differently.
“Orlando becomes a woman, and it’s basically just accepted by everyone. There’s a brief moment of confusion with Orlando’s servants, but then they move on,” said Barilar.
Barilar continued, “Woolf was all about putting fantasy and reality side by side and seeing what emerged from that.”
The show is a comedy that handles serious issues and is pitched as a queer experience in itself. Barilar wanted audiences to have a different theatre experience.
“I wanted them to have a good time and also to walk away with questions to ponder,” said Barilar.
There are a handful of tickets left for the show’s run, so get your tickets now.
If you attend:
Who: UWL Department of Theatre and Dance
What: “Orlando” by Virginia Woolf; adapted by Sarah Ruhl
When: April 25-27 at 7:30 p.m. and April 27-28 at 2:00 p.m.
Where: Frederick Theatre: Morris Hall (1615 State St, La Crosse)
Cost: $20 adults; $18 seniors citizens/non UWL students; $8 UWL students. General Admission seating. Tickets may be purchased online at www.uwltheatretickets.universitytickets. Tickets purchased/printed at the box office (or via phone) will incur an additional fee per ticket. Patrons are encouraged to purchase their tickets online and download the tickets/barcode to their phone or email which can be scanned at the theater.
