The department’s production of "Nosferatu," a mixed-media re-creation of the 1922 German vampire film of the same name, was one of only seven plays selected from more than 500 entries.
"We're very excited by the prospect of taking the play to Los Angeles," said director and UVU assistant professor Christopher Clark. "It's a big honor for us, and we are excited for students and faculty from other universities to see some of the work we are doing here at UVU."
"Nosferatu" combines live action with scenes from the original silent movie directed by F. W Murnau in front of live cameras. These shots are interspersed with shots from the actual film, creating a seamless transition between stage and screen that spans over 80 years. The project involves more than 40 students working onstage and off. Many of the actors pull double duty as dressers, electrical gaffers and set technicians.
"Taking a technically difficult play like this on the road is very daunting," Clark said. "But we are excited by the challenge of it."
The festival will be held in Fullerton, Calif. the second week of February 2009. The students perform the play twice, and will be adjudicated by national representatives for a possible invitation to perform in Washington, D.C. at the Kennedy Center.
"It is a real honor for a young and growing theater program to be chosen over more established programs," said Terry Petrie, chair of the UVU Department of Theatrical Arts. "I liken it to being chosen for the Big Dance in college basketball."
Utah audiences will have a chance to see the show before it heads to California. "Nosferatu" will be performed during the first week of February in the Ragan Theater on the UVU Orem campus. For tickets and show times contact Campus Connection at (801) 863-8797.
