The University of Texas

Department of Theatre and Dance

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 3, 2008

MEDIA CONTACT: Amanda Flores Public Affairs Specialist, (512) 232–5337, amflores@mail.utexas.edu

Experience courage as three terminally ill hospice–patients learn to accept the final stages of life when the UT Department of Theatre & Dance presents the Pulitzer and Tony Award–winning drama, The Shadow Box, directed by Lucien Douglas, April 4th–13th at the UT PAC's Oscar G. Brockett Theatre.

Set in the present day, The Shadow Box observes the lives of three hospice patients coming to terms with their mortality and the impact their death will have on their families, partners, friends and others involved in their lives. The play is presented as a sequence of interviews with the patients, who address the audience directly.

Featuring seven students of the UT MFA Acting class of 2010, The Shadow Box reveals the multilayered anxieties about death and mortality and resonates with those who have lost a loved one to illness. Playwright Michael Cristofer used his own experience losing two friends to cancer as inspiration for the drama, which earned both a Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award in 1977.

Although the discussion of death and dying is often avoided in our society, Director Lucien Douglas feels that is important to share the themes of Cristofer's drama with as many members of the community as possible. He explains, "We all relate to the reality that there is not enough time in our lives to fully experience all life has to offer… especially in the area of personal relationships. Every audience member will recognize a bit of him/herself in these characters…"

As an additional component of community involvement, Marjorie Mulanax, Executive Director of Hospice Austin will lead a post–performance talkback on Sunday, April 6th allowing participants to learn more abut the mission of hospice organizations and how they function in today's world. Hospice Austin, the city's only non–profit hospice organization, will accept donations in conjunction with the April 6th performance.

The Shadow Box runs April 4, 5, 10, 11, 12 at 8:00 PM and April 6. 12, 13 at 2:00 PM at UT PAC's Oscar G. Brockett Theatre, Winship Drama Building (300 E. 23rd Street). Tickets are $16 for general public, $13 UT faculty/staff and $10 students, available at www.utpac.org or (512) 477-6060 or at door (cash only).

For more information about the playwright, director, cast, design team, costume renderings, and play synopsis, visit The Shadow Box production page at the Department of Theatre and Dance website.

"The universe…[is] a miracle…if you believe in all of it. And if you can believe in all of it…well, that is a reason for dancing, isn't it?" – Michael Cristofer, The Shadow Box