In celebration of the 100th anniversary of Einstein's theory of relativity, an intellectual accomplishment that changed the way most scientists and philosophers view the world, Grand Valley State University will present the world premiere of "Unwavering Light: Einstein in 1905," a play by Richard Janaro on Wednesday, September 7.
The play explores Einstein's work as well as personal aspects of his life, particularly his relationship with his wife, Mileva, also a brilliant scientist. The two-act dramatization features events told in rapid-fire sequence, requiring just three actors. One plays Einstein at various ages, another plays all the female characters, and a third plays all the other male characters. The setting and costumes are symbolic and visuals are projected on a white backdrop to complement the scientific aspects.
"A funny thing happened during rehearsal," said Milt Ford of the liberal studies department, who is co-producing the show with Karen Libman of the theatre program. "While the subject matter may be perceived as intense, the actors have injected much humor into their presentation."
"Unwavering Light" will be performed by the Miami Theatre Company, featuring Todd Allen Durkin as Einstein, Deborah L. Sherman as Mileva Einstein and the other female characters, and Joe Kimble playing the male roles other than Einstein.
The play will have a six-performance run, September 7-10, though the Wednesday and Thursday performances are reserved for students and faculty. The Einstein play provides a common intellectual experience for students in many classes at Grand Valley, particularly those enrolled in a Liberal Studies course that explores the nature and meaning of a liberal education as part of each student's individual life goals.
The play will be open to the public for the Friday, 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, 2 p.m. performances for a $14 admission fee. All seating is reserved. The public may purchase tickets though Star Tickets Plus (800) 585-3737, online at www.StarTicketsPlus.com, or in person at Grand Valley's Louis Armstrong Theatre Box Office, located in the Performing Arts Center on the Allendale campus, from noon to 5 p.m., Mondays through Fridays and one hour before each show.
Andy Quiroga, who last year won the Carbonell Award for directing Tracers at Juggerknot Theatre, is the founding Director of the Miami Theatre Company and director of "Unwavering Light." Dress rehearsal on Tuesday, August 30 is open to the media. For more information contact Milt Ford at (616) 331-3114 or Karen Libman at (616) 331-3510.
An Einstein Look-Alike Contest (with categories for both women and men) will be a major feature of Campus Life Night on Tuesday, September 6, the night before the opening of the play. The contest will take place at 8 p.m. in the Fieldhouse Arena.
Playwright Richard Janaro has a special connection to Grand Valley dating back 25 years when he first came as a consultant to the Life Journey project directed by Milt Ford. He has authored or co-authored 12 college text books, including the hugely popular "The Art of Being Human," now in its eighth edition.
Todd Allen Durkin recently returned to the South Florida stage after eight years in New York. He was last seen in Mosaic Theatre's production of "The Pull of Natural Gravity" in its first American production and prior to that in Madcat's production of "Artful Dodgers." Durkin trained at the New World School of the Arts in Miami.
Deborah L. Sherman credits include more than 20 theatrical roles and almost as many appearances in film and television. She distinguished herself in three appearances at Miami's New Theatre: Emilia in "Othello," Olivia in "Twelfth Night," and Conchita in the world premiere of "Anna in the Tropics," which went on to capture the Pulitzer Prize.
Joe Kimble has appeared as a member of the award-winning ensemble of Summer Shorts at City Theatre and is a company member of Miami's acclaimed Madcat Theatre. He won high critical praise for his work in "Tabletop" at GableStage, one of the major regional theatres in the United States, as well as in "Durang Durang" at Mosaic Theatre.
[Photos of actors available]
