Conservatory of Theatre Arts at Webster U. Presents CLOUD NINE, 3/24-4/4

Conservatory of Theatre Arts students Jessica Shoemaker, Sam Hay and John Kinney Webster University's Conservatory of Theatre Arts presents "Cloud Nine" by Caryl Churchill.

The production runs from March 24-28 and March 31 to April 4, in Stage III, Webster Hall, 470 E. Lockwood Ave. Curtain time is 7:30 p.m., except Sundays, which will have a 2 p.m. matinee only. Admission is $12 for the general public and $6 for senior adults and students.

For ticket reservations, call the Fine Arts Hotline at 968-7128. This production is for Mature Audiences.

The unique and complex dramatic structure of Caryl Churchill's "Cloud Nine" takes the audience on an unforgettable journey. The first act, set in British colonial Africa in 1880, satirizes the hypocrisy of Victorian society's rigid expectations and the examines the resulting internalized oppression. The story focuses on the family of Clive, which includes his wife Betty, his son Edward and daughter Victoria, who is a stuffed doll. Using cross-casting over both sexual and racial lines, 19th century stereotypes are brought into sharp focus as the characters struggle to fit their assigned roles.

In the second act, set in 1979 London, the characters have aged only 25 years, but 100 years have passed for us. The characters begin to claim their identities as they endeavor to find themselves in the changing sexuality of the more permissive 1970s. "Cloud NIne" continues its assault into the 20th century tackling issues such as women's liberation, gay liberation and the sexual revolution.

"Cloud Nine" is directed by Webster University professor, Jef Awada.