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Mon, May 12, 2008
U.S. Premiere
“Wickedly funny and wonderfully theatrical.”—Irish Times (Dublin)
Dublin’s leading avant-garde theater ensemble, Pan Pan, will perform the U.S. premiere of Oedipus Loves You—a savvy, punk rock update of Sophocles’ classic drama about the ultimate dysfunctional family—at the Wexner Center May 15–17, 2008. In this version, lust still runs unchecked and tensions seethe, but now the backdrop is the barbecue grill of Oedipus’s suburban hideaway. The psychodynamics are literally amplified as the characters use rock instruments to channel their rage into live punk rock sessions integral to the group therapy process. The dramatic tension is further intensified by Gavin Quinn’s remote-controlled direction (via headsets) of the performers, adding another dimension to the live experience. The Scotsman wrote that this show features a “witty A-list cast” that delivers a “sensational new take on an ancient story.” And irishabroad.com writes, “As bitingly satirical as it is funny, expect to laugh and then squirm as this crowd of artistic chancers take you right to the edge and then headlong over it.” NOTE: This show is intended for mature audiences. For more information (including a video excerpt of the show), visit www.panpantheatre.com. For a podcast featuring the Wexner Center’s Director of Performing Arts, Chuck Helm, discussing this show, click to www.wexarts.org/wexcasting.
Residency Activities While at the Wexner Center, the members of Pan Pan will meet with students from Ohio State’s Department of Theatre to discuss the company’s creative process, approach to classic texts, and stage design concepts. At this session, students will also have the opportunity to gain insight into the contemporary theater scene in Ireland and Pan Pan's own work in Dublin.
MORE ABOUT PAN PAN Founded in 1991 by Aedin Cosgrove and Gavin Quinn, Pan Pan has developed an individual aesthetic exploring new forms, time, space, and music. These Columbus performances are part of Pan Pan’s highly acclaimed world tour (following the Dublin premiere in 2006) including the UK, Germany, Switzerland, and China. After Columbus, the company will travel to New York for its only other U.S. stop.
Calendar Information: Irish avant-garde theater ensemble Pan Pan will perform Oedipus Loves You Thursday–Saturday, May 15–17 at 8 pm in the Wexner Center Performance Space, 1871 N. High St. Running time: 70 mins. with no intermission. Tickets are $16 for the general public, $13 for members, $10 for students. Call (614) 292-3535 or visit www.ticketmaster.com to purchase tickets. NOTE: Oedipus Loves You is intended for mature audiences.
EVENT AND SEASON SUPPORT
Support for Pan Pan’s U.S. tour is provided by the Arts Council/Chomhairle Ealaíon, Culture Ireland, and the Dublin Arts Council.
Major support for the Wexner Center’s 2007–08 performing arts season is generously provided by Huntington Bank, Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, and The Columbus Foundation.
Significant contributions are also made by Morgan Stanley and Nationwide Foundation.
Additional funding is provided by the Ohio Arts Council, the Corporate Annual Fund of the Wexner Center Foundation, and Wexner Center members.
Accommodations are provided by The Blackwell Inn.
