NEWS RELEASE

Office of External Communications

Houston, TX 77204-5017 Fax: 713.743.8199

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 30, 2007

Contact: Contact: Mike Emery
713.743.8186 (office)
713.415.6551 (pager)
pemery@uh.edu

PLAYWRIGHTS UNVEIL NEW PRODUCTIONS DURING 2007 ALBEE WORKSHOP

During the University of Houston’s spring semester, five budding playwrights have seen their works leap from the script to the stage. Soon, Houston audiences will experience the fruits of these students’ labors during the 2007 Edward Albee New Playwrights Workshop.

Since 1989, this annual event has spotlighted student-written plays that were produced during the spring semester. All of the featured works were groomed under the watchful eye of UH Distinguished Lecturer and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Lanford Wilson.

“Lanford picks up on emotions playwrights are trying to convey. This makes him helpful in giving advice on how to communicate with an audience,” said workshop student Rachel McKeehan.

All performances are free and open to the public. Plays will be performed in the following order.

8 p.m., April 24, 26, 28

    • “Tough Love” by Aaron Racicot, directed by Kriste Tujague: A late-night call forces a married couple to examine their ideals. Sometimes, love can be tough.
    • “Sticks and Stones” by Brady Alland, directed by Reesa Graham: A story of a young man who has endured trials early in his life, a girl who keeps finding love in all the wrong places and their two eccentric roommates.
    • “Somebody Else’s Balls” by Dustin Sturgill, directed by Kevin Jones: A story about four friends lost in a cave they are exploring, where ancient Israelites had supposedly lived some thousands of years before.

8 p.m., April 25, 27 and 2 p.m., April 29

    • “Flesh and Blood” by Rachel McKeehan, directed by Kriste Tujague: The fantasies of a science fiction enthusiast are challenged by a jilted lover and her interpretation of bitter reality.
    • “Shanghai” by Elizabeth Keel, directed by MJ Emig: A woman and her associates make their living off of kidnapping celebrities for their avid, wealthy fans. Unfortunately, one crowded weekend at the Shanghai resort gets a little bit out of her control.

WHAT: 2007 Edward Albee New Playwrights Workshop
WHEN: April 24 - 29
WHERE: Jose Quintero Lab Theatre (located in the School of Theatre)
University of Houston – Entrance 16
Houston, TX
WHO: UH School of Theatre

For more information about UH visit the university’s ‘Newsroom’ at www.uh.edu/admin/media/newsroom.