UNA Theatre Program Presents TANGO, Landmark Absurdist Play Exploring the Traditions and Structure of Modern Society

Mar. 10, 2014



TANGO PosterBy Hannah Mask, Student Writer

FLORENCE, Ala. – What might happen in a world with no structure, no rules?

The University of North Alabama’s Department of Music and Theatre delves into this concept in its upcoming stage production, Tango, written by Slawomire Mrozek and translated by Ralph Manheim and Teresa Dzieduszycka.

Considered a landmark work in the so-called “Theatre of the Absurd,” Tango opens Thursday, March 13, at 7:30 p.m. at the George S. Lindsey Theatre on the UNA campus. Additional performances are set for 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, March 14-15, and 2 p.m. Sunday, March 16.  Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students, seniors (ages 65 and older) and UNA employees with valid identification.

UNA theatre professor Dr. David Ruebhausen will direct the play, which he said incorporates quite a bit of comedy.

Just as every generation has rebelled against tradition at one point, Reubhausen said Tango examines how one young man rebels when there are no set rules. Inevitably, the character begins to work toward restructuring the world as his form of rebellion.

“Overall, Tango looks at what would happen if we were to throw away tradition and structure,” Reubhausen said. “The play asks us to look at the ways that we’re moving in that direction.”

The Tango production determines whether UNA qualifies for the regional Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, Ruebhausen added. Correspondents from the festival will attend and evaluate the show.

The Kennedy Center American College Festival seeks to recognize the “finest and most diverse work produced in university and college or theater programs,” according to the organization’s website. The festival also hones artistic skills and teaches theatre professionalism.

Tickets for the UNA production of Tango can be purchased in advance at www.una.edu/music-theatre (a service fee will apply) or the Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts in downtown Florence. Tickets will also be available at the door before each performance on a first-come, first-served basis.

The production deals with adult content that may not be suitable for children. For more information, call the UNA Department of Music and Theatre at 256-765-5122.

Poster art for Tango is available for media use on the UNA Gallery at:
http://www.unalionsden.com/archive/gallery.php?album_id=855&photo_id=10724