18
view . summer 2008
This year is the 40th anniversary of the
founding of the School of Dramatic Art; it
is also the 50th season for the University
Players. Celebratory events will take place
throughout the fall 2008 and winter 2009.
Drama plans four major events, with a
spotlight on alumni and supporters who,
over the decades, have made the School one
of the best in Canada.
“We have a wonderful facility, brilliant
faculty and staff, fabulous students and
marvelous people throughout the industry
with roots in UWindsor and commitment
to our School,” says former director Diana
Mady Kelly. “We will celebrate what we
are, but also all the accomplishments of the
past and the opportunity and dreams for the
years ahead.”
She adds: “When our star shines
brightest, it lights the way for an even
better future.”
Professor, film-maker and choreographer
Gina Lori Riley has accepted the mantle
as creative director for the four celebration
events. Expect to be dazzled with staging,
pageantry, colour and characters.
Wednesday, Sept. 10
at the Jackman
Dramatic Art Centre, the
Hip Hip Horray!
Anniversary Party
will have birthday cake,
champagne, surprise guests, prominent
alumni, performances and displays.
Thursday, Oct. 23
, also at the
Jackman Centre,
Devilicious Don Juan
Soiree
, a pre-event before opening night of
the University Players’ production of
Don
Juan on Trial
, will mix decadent desserts
and chocolate with music, song and dance.
Saturday, Feb. 28
, the stars will
be out for
Starry Starry Night
. Earlier
that day, alumni will be invited to a
special opportunity to get acquainted
or reacquainted.
Sunday, April 5
, famous women in
history will be on the call list for
High Tea
Drama
, a delightfully original ovation for the
University Players’ 50th Anniversary Season.
“As we bring together actors, teachers,
and so many others who have roots and
commitment to the school, we know they
will be thinking the same as we are. What
do we do now? Where do we go from here?
What do we need to keep moving forward?”
says the School’s Director Lionel Walsh.
Says Walsh “Our University Players
Endowment Fund was created as an
investment in the future; it will provide
much-needed funding for equipment and
production, ensuring an ever-improving
experience for our students, our patrons,
and faculty.
“This will be important in continuing to
bring great students to our School. Now, we
intend to launch a second endowment fund,
this time for the School, with the proceeds
from this year’s celebrations. It will be used
for things such as workshops and classroom
equipment that support student learning.”
The School of Dramatic Art Endowment
will provide a source of funds each year
that may be directed to a current need
or opportunity, such as attracting visiting
instructors or acquiring equipment.
Anniversary Celebrations to Take the Stage
at Jackman Dramatic Art Centre
UPlayers 50th Anniversary Season
University Players will celebrate its 50th Anniversary season with a
strong lineup of plays that combine appeal for the audience and a
challenge for the students.
One of Shakespeare’s most unpredictable works,
Measure for
Measure
, a story of blurred morality and remarkable humanity, opens
the season
Sept. 18
.
In
Don Juan on Trial
, opening
Oct. 23
, former conquests force the
famous lover to choose marriage or the Bastille.
An Agatha Christie whodunit,
A Murder is Announced
, opens
Nov. 20
.
Widows
, a powerful and poetic drama of political resistance, resilience
and retribution opens
Jan. 29
.
The Man of Mode
, a lavishly witty restoration comedy opens
Feb. 26
.
Bringing the anniversary season to a close, the popular comedy
Good
Night Desdemona (Good Morning Juliet)
, opens
March 26
.
All performances are in Essex Hall Theatre at the University of
Windsor. More information about the productions, tickets and
subscriptions are available by phone at
519-253-3000,
ext. 2808
, or online at
Keep informed about the anniversary celebrations by checking
updates at
Reason to celebrate - shown above: past performances put on by the University Players.
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