Walden Theatre Presents The Learned Ladies 10/21-30

Walden Theatre and director Charlie Sexton are pleased to bring you The Learned Ladies by Molière.

The play centers on domineering matriarch Philaminte's misguided pretentiousness. She and her cohort of "learned ladies" are taken in by the slick manipulations of mediocre poet and social climber Trissotin who hopes to cash in on the dowry of Philaminte's daughter, even though she has her heart set on another man.

The play has long been popular in France, but until poet Richard Wilbur's 1977 translation into English--complete with rhyming couplets--there was no great version for the American stage that captured the spirit, snappy dialogue, and lovely language of the play. Today, many theatres have adopted it as a staple, and Walden Theatre is presenting this play for the first time in 10 years.

"Directing a work of this kind is very similar to conducting music," said director Charlie Sexton. "One has to be constantly aware of stops and starts, peaks and valleys, rhythm, tempo, pace, tone, and variety of pitch.

"To top it off," Sexton continued, "the actors must master these skills while moving cleanly and confidently in 17th century costumes." No mean feat, that.

INFORMATION:
The actors of Walden Theatre's nationally-acclaimed Conservatory Program for young people perform the play October 21-30 on the Nancy Niles Sexton Stage at Walden Theatre. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evening performances are at 7:30pm, and Saturday matinee shows are at 2:00pm.

The Learned Ladies is the second play of Walden Theatre's 35th anniversary season. Upcoming shows include The Disappearance of Daniel Hand by Dan O'Brien (Nov. 11-20), and To Kill a Mockingbird adapted for the stage by Christopher Sergel from the novel by Harper Lee (Jan. 20-29).

Dates
October 21,22, 23, 28, 29, 30 at 7:30pm
October 23 and 30 @ 2:00pm.

Tickets
Tickets are general admission, and all performances are fully accessible. Call to reserve 502-589-0084.
Evenings: Adults $15, Students/Seniors $10.Matinees: Adults $10, Students/Seniors $8.
Group Rates: Please contact the administrative offices.

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