Upcoming Catholic University Drama Productions Announced

The Catholic University of America Department of Drama will present the following performances for the 2016-2017 academic year. Unless otherwise noted, performances take place at the Hartke Theatre on the Catholic University campus at 3801 Harewood Road, N.E., Washington, D.C.

For more information on these events or to purchase tickets, visit drama.cua.edu, email cua-drama@cua.edu, or call the box office at 202-319-4000.

Tickets are $15 for general admission; $10 for senior citizens, military, CUA alumni, faculty, and staff; and $5 for students. Student rush tickets will also be available an hour before performances for $3. Subscriptions for all five plays can be purchased for $50.

Oct. 13-16, 2016

Bloody Poetry

A play by Howard Brenton. Directed by Gregg Henry.

Three rebellious immortals of the Romantic Age - Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, Lord Byron, and Percy Bysshe Shelley - converge on the stormy shores of Lake Geneva in 1816. Defying society, they transform literature for all time and leave scandal, devastating heartbreak, and an awestruck Europe in their wake.

Performances will take place Oct. 13-15, at 7:30 p.m.; and Oct. 15-16, at 2 p.m.

Dec. 1-4, 2016

Picnic

A play by William Inge. Directed by Bill Largess.

As a Midwestern neighborhood prepares for a holiday picnic, the arrival of a young drifter changes the lives of everyone. His influence and his attraction force the neighbors to face long-avoided facts; for better or worse, nothing will ever be the same.

Performances will take place Dec. 1-3, at 7:30 p.m.; and Dec. 3-4, at 2 p.m.

Feb. 16-25, 2017

Preggers, or Parenthood for Virgins

Written by Rebecca Dzida, M.F.A. playwriting candidate. Directed by Linda Lombardi.

Newlyweds Mary and Joseph learn that they're going to raise the Son of God. Along with a little guidance from the angel Gabriel, they attempt to navigate the absurdities and challenges of being new parents.

Performances will take place Feb. 18, 22, and 24, at 7:30 p.m.; and Feb. 19 and 25 at 2 p.m.

Feb. 17-26, 2017

SISSY: Accompanied by Johann Sebastian Bach and a Mouse

Written by Garret Lee Milton, M.F.A. playwriting candidate. Directed by Jenny McConnell Frederick.

When a downtrodden mouse enters Sissy's repetitive life as an office clerk, it brings the music of Johann Sebastian Bach and an absurd perspective on life, language, and love. As the mouse sings and dances its way through Sissy's world, a phantasmagorical adventure unfolds for Sissy and his office mates. A blend of three different versions of the Sisyphean myth, this modern theatrical adaptation examines our imagination and how we use it to find truth and meaning in our daily lives.

Performances will take place Feb. 17, 23, and 25, at 7:30 p.m.; and Feb. 18 and 26, at 2 p.m.

April 20-23, 2017

Macbeth

By William Shakespeare. Directed by Eleanor Holdridge.

A decorated war hero makes his way across a battlefield and is given a prophecy of power by three mysterious women. How Macbeth grapples with honor and ambition, destiny and desire are at the heart of this dynamic play, perhaps Shakespeare's most powerful tragedy. Filled with supernatural horrors, bloody battles, intimate scenes from marriage and some of the most stunning poetry ever written, this is a story for today.

Performances will take place April 20, 21, and 22, at 7:30 p.m.; and April 22 and 23, at 2 p.m.

CUAdrama@Busboys and Poets

Join the Catholic University Department of Drama at Busboys and Poets in Brookland for plays and readings presented by CUAdrama students, alumni, and guest artists from the community. Details available at drama.cua.edu.

ABOUT: The Catholic University of America is the national university of the Catholic Church and the only higher education institution founded by the U.S. bishops. Established in 1887 as a papally chartered graduate and research center, the University comprises 12 schools and 22 research facilities and is home to 3,480 undergraduate and 3,041 graduate students.