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

April 27, 2004

‘A Dybbuk’ to Be Performed

EVANSTON, Ill. --- Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning playwright Tony Kushner’s adaptation of “A Dybbuk” is a haunting tale that tells the story of a penniless, devout student of Jewish mysticism and the young woman he loves.

Written by A. Ansky and translated from Yiddish by Joachim Neugroschel, the play explores themes of lust and desire, worship and holiness, and corruption and sin in a small town in Eastern Europe. It will be directed by Northwestern master of fine arts student David Winitsky.

“A Dybbuk” (a wandering, disembodied soul that enters another person’s body and holds fast) will be performed at 7:30 p.m. May 14 and May 15; 2 p.m. May 16; 7:30 p.m. May 20; 7:30 p.m. May 21 and May 22; and 2 p.m. May 23, at the Ethel M. Barber Theatre, 30 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston campus.

“Once you get past the details of Judaica, the play is about a community grappling with change and modernity,” said Winitsky. “The themes are universal and timeless. Tony Kushner breathes life into the story through his eloquence, understanding of character, and knowledge of Jewish mysticism and law. The play doesn’t offer easy answers, but it has the ability to teach, which is one of the reasons I wanted to direct it.”

Winitsky said “A Dybbuk” is about the conflict that arises when what you believe in and what you instinctively know to be true don’t line up.

“In the world of the this play, the characters feel being a member of the community and having a shared belief is more important than individual faith,” said the director. “The lovers in the show challenge this concept and ask if love is bigger than tradition.”

Single tickets are $24 for the general public; $20 for senior citizens and Northwestern faculty and staff; and $11 for full-time students.

The Northwestern University 2003-04 Mainstage season is generously supported by the Sara Lee Foundation.

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