"Widows" at Alfred University

"Widows," a 20th century drama by Ariel Dorfman in collaboration with Tony Kushner and directed by Steven Crosby, will open at Alfred University on Nov. 18.

The play is set in a war-torn South American village, from which all of the indigenous men have disappeared. The women in their families mourn their loss and hope for their return. An old matriarch (played by senior Kristin Rubisch) who refuses to submit to the Spanish military's imperial influence, runs the village. She clashes with the Captain (junior Justin Pietropaolo), an idealist who wants to repair the village one step at a time and bring in democracy, and the Lieutenant (John Hamolsky), who does not believe in helping the indigenous women. The other women in the village try to cope with the situation in their own ways and try to work with the military, but as the play progresses and grows darker, the oppression and anguish become unbearable.

This piece takes a dark and engaging look at the effects of war and promises to present a memorable theatrical experience.

Performances will be Nov. 18-21 in C.D. Smith Theatre in the Miller Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $1.00 for AU students, $3.00 for non-AU students, and $5.00 for the general public. Email reservation requests to performs@alfred.edu or call the box office at 607-871-2828.