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 the magical adventure story for all ages, STILL LIFE WITH IRIS, October 31 – November 9, 2008, at The University of Texas at Austin Texas Performing Arts' B. Iden Payne Theatre. Written by UT's own award–winning professor of Playwriting and Screenwriting, Steven Dietz, STILL LIFE WITH IRIS chronicles a young girl's quest to regain her memory, her past, and with it, her home.

STILL LIFE WITH IRIS is a sophisticated and engaging story of a courageous young girl on journey through a magical world, on a mission to find her home through memories of her past. Under the direction of nationally recognized M.F.A. in Drama and Theatre for Youth and Communities candidate, Wendy Bable, Still Life with Iris is imaginative, striking and playful, appealing to audiences of all ages

STILL LIFE WITH IRIS was originally commissioned and produced by Seattle Children–s Theatre, and was inspired by the Image Influenced Illusions of Steffan Soule and Cooper Edens from their book, Dreams, Magic, and Miracles. Its development was supported by a major grant from the John F. Kennedy Center's Fund for New American Plays, the first play for young audiences to receive such and award.

When asked about STILL LIFE WITH IRIS, Director, Wendy Bable passionately comments, “I fell in love with Still Life with Iris the first time I read it several years ago, and have wanted to direct it since… Still Life is “about” a lot of things–family, identity, who decides what is “good,” what happens when our past and memories are taken from us, just to name a few… ”

Families are encouraged to attend a free Family Day workshop on November 2nd, 12:30 – 1:30 pm in the Winship Drama Building. Family Day includes a pre–performance workshop, discounted tickets to see Still life with Iris, and a chance to meet members of the cast after the show! Register early, space is limited. Contact Jenn Hartman at jenn-hartmann@yahoo.com to reserve space for you and your family!

Join us on October 31 for an Opening Night Reception immediately following the performance.

STILL LIFE WITH IRIS features Set Design by Kevin Beltz, Costume Design by Ariana Schwartz, and Lighting Design by Will Sutliff.

STILL LIFE WITH IRIS is produced by special arrangement with DRAMATIC PUBLISHING COMPANY of Woodstock, Illinois.

The B. Iden Payne 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.