The University of Texas
Department of Theatre and Dance

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 12, 2007
MEDIA CONTACT: Amanda Flores Public Affairs Specialist, (512) 232–5337, amflores@mail.utexas.edu

Fefu and Her Friends
Written by Maria Irene Fornes
Directed by Leslie Swackhamer
October 12 – 21 • Oscar G. Brockett Theatre • Tickets $16–$10

(AUSTIN, TX) – Explore ideals of feminism and gender politics through the eyes of 1930's women of privilege when UT Theatre and Dance presents Fefu and Her Friends, the masterwork of playwright Maria Irene Fornes. Fefu runs October 12–21 at UT's Oscar Brockett Theatre.

When eight women gather at Fefu's New England home to plan an event, their interactions reveal the desires, fears, and hallucinations lurking just beneath the surface of their polished demeanors. Set in 1935, Fefu and Her Friends is a provocative, feminist exploration of the expectations, inconsistencies, and double standards that even the most aristocratic women endured – and continue to endure. The second act of the play, set in a house, will be carried out throughout the Winship Drama Building, creating the sense that one is merely a fly on the wall, touring Fefu's home with the rest of her guests. Director Leslie Swackhamer says, "Thus, the audience experiences the play from a multitude of perspectives. The audience constructs different meanings through different chronologies of viewing."

We invite you to join us for a literary salon following the matinee performances on October 20 & 21. Guests will include featured artists, activists, and scholars who will participate in informal and intimate conversations with all attendees. Admission to the salons is free; however, space is limited. Please reserve your place by emailing fefusalons@gmail.com. In addition to the salons, stay for a post-performance talk–back following the October 14 & 18 shows.

Dates: October 12 &ndash 14 & 18 – 20 at 8:00 pm; October 20 & 21 at 2:00 pm Venue: Oscar G. Brockett Theatre, Winship Drama Building, 23rd and San Jacinto on UT campus Tickets: $16 general public, $13 UT faculty/staff and $10 students, available at www.utpac.org, (512) 477–6060, and at the door (cash only).

For more information, visit www.finearts.utexas.edu/tad.