UM DEPARTMENT OF THEATRE & DRAMA PRESENTS A STAGE ADAPTATION OF JANE AUSTEN'S BELOVED NOVEL PRIDE AND PREJUDICE

The U-M Department Theatre & Drama presents a stage adaptation of Jane Austen’s beloved novel Pride and Prejudice on stage December 4 at 7:30PM, December 5 & 6 at 8PM, and December 7 at 2PM in the Power Center in Ann Arbor. Direction is by guest artist Timothy Douglas who has worked extensively in regional theatre including Indiana Rep, Actors Theatre of Louisville, the Guthrie Theatre, and the American Conservatory Theatre. Jane Austen’s novel Pride and Prejudice has consistently been in print since its first publication in 1813. Adapted for stage and film numerous times, this adaptation, by James Maxwell and revised by Alan Stanford, made its debut at the Royal Exchange Theatre in 2002 and later the Gate Theatre in Dublin.

Set in Hertfordshire England, the story follows the Bennet family. Unable to pass down his estate due to English hereditary laws favoring the male line and with five daughters of marriageable age, Mr., and especially Mrs., Bennet are thrilled when an eligible bachelor and his friends move into the neighborhood. In the rarified and strict atmosphere of English high society, the girls' lack of dowry and lower social standing may be a detriment to their success, particularly when the second eldest, Elizabeth, takes an immediate dislike to the most eligible of the bachelors, Mr. Darcy. In a complex world where wealth usually dictates relationships, Pride and Prejudice follows Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy down a dangerous road to love unfettered by mercenary motives.

Director Douglas and the artistic team have chosen to set the play in 1968. “It’s amazing how the highly structured class rules within the very wealthy have stayed consistent throughout the ages,” states Douglas. “Jessica Hahn, our costume designer, had found research about a renaissance of the fashions of the early 1800s that occurred in 1968. The issues that Austen presents are extremely relevant and contemporary. In much the same way as in the late 1960s, the older generation of Austen’s world sought to instill in young people the mores of their class, while the young looked towards becoming independent and finding their own path. Given everything, I felt updating the production’s physical life would help to make it more relevant to the cast. The update is very subtle; it’s more about a sense of being able to connect to the youthful feel of the 1960s. Beyond that it’s a pretty traditional storytelling – ultimately the production must honor Austen’s extraordinary language and stay true to the emotional center of Elizabeth and Darcy’s story.”

According to Douglas, “Austen has this remarkable facility to take us to the place where intellect meets emotion and the journey towards love. I am taken with how articulate she is about the complexities of love. This coming from an extraordinary woman for her time and ours, and the character of Elizabeth gets to channel that. The options available to an intelligent woman like Elizabeth Bennet were few; she must find a way to honor the culture of the society in which she was born while finding a way to honor herself. Elizabeth serves as the emotional barometer for the story as she faces the natural and potent experience of having love come to her. ”

Joining Douglas and Hahn on the artistic team is scenic designer Vincent Mountain, whose designs were recently seen in J.B. Henry Reynolds, whose designs were heard in J.B., serves as sound designer. Mountain, Hahn, and Reynolds are all faculty members in the Department of Theatre & Drama. Justin N. Lang, an undergraduate in the Department of Theatre & Drama whose designs were last seen in You Never Can Tell, serves as lighting designer. Dawn Rivard (You Never Can Tell) designs wigs. Choreography is by undergraduate Musical Theatre student Robert Hartwell, who recently starred as Angel in Rent.

Following the Friday performance on December 5 there will be a post-performance discussion moderated by director Douglas and featuring an array of cast and artistic team members. Curtain Call Fridays offer an opportunity for audience members to talk with artists about each production. The discussion is free and open to all. Curtain Call Fridays are sponsored by the Theatre Associates, the friends group of the Department of Theatre & Drama.

Ticket prices for Pride and Prejudice are $24 and $18 reserved seating with students only $9 with ID. Tickets are available in person at the League Ticket Office, located within the Michigan League. The Ticket Office is open from 9am-5pm, Monday through Friday and 10am-1pm on Saturday. Order by phone at (734) 764-2538. All major credit cards are accepted. Tickets may also be ordered online at www.music.umich.edu. The Power Center for the Performing Arts, located at 121 Fletcher Street, is wheelchair accessible and equipped with an infrared listening system for hearing enhancement.