The University of Texas

Department of Theatre and Dance

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 22, 2008

MEDIA CONTACT: Gene Bartholomew; 512.471.0632; gbartholomew@mail.utexas.edu

Amanda Flores; 512.232.5337; amflores@austin.utexas.edu

The University of Texas Department of Theatre & Dance presents a world premiere adaptation of Fyodor Dostoevsky's classic Russian novel, The Idiot, starring the UT MFA Acting class of 2010, February 27–March 8, 2009, at the intimate Oscar G. Brockett Theatre.

In this new staging adapted and directed by Scott Kanoff, Prince Lev Nikolayevich Myshkin, the penniless last member of an ancient family, returns home to Russia after many years at a Swiss clinic, where he was treated for severe epilepsy. At first considered a fool, the awkward, naive Myshkin gradually charms all who meet him. Determined to “do good,” the prince's innocent idealism enmeshes him in the social, financial and romantic intrigues of a corrupt society whose motives he misconstrues. The events he sets in motion lead to consequences that no one, least of all the prince himself, could have envisioned

“It's a big story, with some of the most unique characters in world literature,” explains Director Scott Kanoff, who also adapted the novel. He elaborates, “Generational conflict figures prominently in it, and its themes resonate with surprising currency: political activism economic upheaval and financial misconduct; class conflict; religious extremism; women's rights; sexual oppression and child abuse; mental health; prison reform, and more.”

Scott Kanoff teaches acting and directing for the Department of Theatre and Dance and formerly served as producing artistic director of Austin's State Theater Company, where he staged a range of classic and contemporary plays, including Nickel and Dimed, Mrs. Warren's Profession (with UT's Franchelle S. Dorn), The Tempest, Dinner With Friends, The Little Prince: the Musical, Be Aggressive, Eric Coble's Virtual Devotion and others. He also produced an acclaimed series of premieres by Austin playwrights, including Steven Tomlinson (American Fiesta); Greater Tuna's Jaston Williams (I'm Not Lying); and Michener Center writers John S. Walch (The Dinosaur Within) and Steve Moore (Nightswim).

The public is invited to join the cast and crew on February 27 for an Opening Night Reception immediately following the performance.

For more information on The Idiot, please visit http://www.finearts.utexas.edu/tad/productions/production_season/2008-2009/idiot/index.cfm. .

The Oscar G. Brockett Theatre (300 E. 23rd St.) is located in the F. Loren Winship Drama Building on the University of Texas campus. For a map of the campus, please visit http://www.utexas.edu/maps/main/buildings/win.html.

CALENDAR LISTING:
February 27 – March 8, 2009 – The UT Department of Theatre & Dance presents The Idiot at the UT Performing Center's Oscar G. Brockett Theatre(300 E. 23rd St.), located just west of the F. Loren Winship Drama Building.
A map of the campus: http://www.utexas.edu/maps/main/buildings/win.html
Show times are February 27 & 28 & March 5, 6, 7 at 8:00p.m, and March 1, 7 & 8 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets ($20 adults, $17 UT faculty & staff, $15 student) are now on sale and may be purchased at the following authorized ticket outlets, which include the Bass Concert Hall Box Office, most H–E–B stores and all Texas Box Office outlets, online at www.texasperformingarts.org, or by calling (512) 477–6060 or (800) 982–BEVO.