University Theatre presents 'Ameriville'

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Western Michigan University theatre students will join the company Universes in performing "Ameriville" Oct. 9-18 in the Shaw Theatre at the Gilmore Theatre Complex.

Purchase tickets online: wmutheatre.com

Performance schedule

• Friday, Oct. 9, 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 10, 7:30 p.m.
• Thursday, Oct. 15, 7:30 p.m.
• Friday, Oct. 16, 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 17, 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday, Oct. 18, 2 p.m.

Using Hurricane Katrina as its inspiration, "Ameriville" is a highly entertaining performance piece that fuses hip-hop, poetry, flamenco, standup comedy, music and spoken word to encourage conversation about racial oppression in America. Universes weaves this theatrical exploration of race, class, poverty and political awareness into a great adventure about what it means to be American.

About Universes

Universes is a national ensemble theatre company of multi-disciplined writers and performers who fuse many performance art forms into their own unique brand of theatre art. The company was formed in the Bronx in 1995 and began performing in the popular urban poetry and music scene of the late 1990s. They have since taken their original pieces around the world, inspiring crowds and sparking conversation.

A unique residency, supported by the W.K. Kellogg Grant for Racial Healing, has brought the company of Universes to Kalamazoo for an eight week rehearsal and performance schedule that has put WMU theatre students under the direction of and in performance with these professional performers.

Universes guest artists appearing in "Ameriville" include:

• Steven Sapp
• Mildred Ruiz-Sapp
• William "Ninja" Ruiz

Under the direction of the guest artists, the student cast members include Sarah Neumann, Greg Jones, Chris Williams, Rachel Carrera, Nick Petrelli, Brandon Foxworth, Nick Angel, Asia Mark, Asia Dixon and Khalia Abhdullah with stage management by Andrew Zaccagnini.

Tickets

All ticketing for "Ameriville" at Shaw Theatre is reserved seating. Tickets are $20, $18 for senior citizens and WMU employees, $6 for WMU students and $10 for all other students. They are available by calling (269) 387-6222, online at wmutheatre.com, or by visiting the Gilmore Theatre Complex or Miller Auditorium ticket offices. Group discounts are available by calling (269) 387-3227.

For more information, contact Emily Duguay, University Theatre, at emily.duguay@wmich.edu or (269) 387-6222.

For more news, arts and events, visit wmich.edu/news.