MEDIA CONTACT: Judy Moore at 847-491-4819 or jkm229@northwestern.edu

December 21, 2004

World Premier of Epic Novel to Be Performed

EVANSTON, Ill. --- Northwestern University’s winter 2005 world premiere of a drama based on Jan Potocki’s early 19th century epic novel “The Manuscript Found in Saragossa” will be held in the Ethel M. Barber Theatre, 30 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston campus.

Adapted and directed by Lookingglass Theatre ensemble member Christine Dunford, “The Manuscript Found in Saragossa” will be performed at 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 11; 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12; 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 13; 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 16; 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 17; 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 18; 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 19; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 20.

“The Manuscript Found in Saragossa” is the story of a young man’s journey of discovery. Set in Spain in 1739, Alphonse van Wordon travels through the treacherous Sierra Morena Mountains to accept a commission as an officer in the elite Walloon Guards. En route, he is diverted for 66 days and forced to live with gypsies, bandits, cabalists, a geographer, demons, a Wandering Jew and others who influence his worldview.

The ensemble piece features a large student cast and uses physical storytelling, circus arts and dance as well as live and recorded original music to convey the military officer’s mystical adventures. Communicating a story physically is a prime characteristic of the Lookingglass style.

Dunford was determined to stay true to the world the author created in his book. She carefully selected specific aspects of Potocki’s 600-page novel to showcase, and was particularly entranced by the bewitching quality of the author’s writing and the way his fable lends itself to theatrical storytelling.

“There is magic in sitting around a campfire and listening to stories come to life, almost as if they are coming alive from the fire itself as well as the teller,” she said. “They live on in the circle of listeners long after the story ends. This is also evident in the theatre-going experience -- the audience must actively participate in the creation of the story. This particular novel doesn’t have an easily defined essential truth. That is one of the reasons why I wanted to adapt it to the stage because it is open for personal interpretation.”

Single ticket prices for “The Manuscript Found in Saragossa” are $25 for the general public; $22 for senior citizens and Northwestern faculty and staff; and $10 for full-time students.

For more information or to order tickets by phone, call the Theatre and Interpretation Center Box Office at (847) 491-7282.