By Kay Megorden-Staten, Department of Theatre and Dance
 
The Department of Theatre and Dance is pleased to announce The Palestinian, an original drama conceived and directed by David Kaye, Feb. 15-19 at the Johnson Theatre, PCAC. Shows are Feb. 15 - 18 at 7 p.m. and Feb. 19 at 2 p.m.

Who are the Palestinians? Some may argue that the Palestinians impact the daily lives of Americans more than any other peoples.  The ongoing Palestinian/Israeli conflict can even be attributed as one of the root causes of the Iraqi war. How have the media and a post 9-11 environment shaped our views about the Palestinians?  What do we see? How near or far is that image from any semblance of reality?
 
An ensemble of actors will confront their own beliefs, prejudices, sympathies and fears, and will contrast them against the realities of Palestinian life. Created from up-to-the-minute communications with Palestinians who live in the West Bank and Gaza, the play will transform these controversial questions, extraordinary stories, and construed images into moving theatrical art. Audience: Parental discretion is strongly advised.
 
David Kaye, professor of acting, directing, and playwriting, has served on the UNH faculty since 1996. He has worked professionally for companies throughout the United States as a director, actor, and designer. He has been the artistic director of Maine’s Sanford Maine Stage, Hackmatack Playhouse, and New York City’s Julian Acting Company. Most recently, he directed Shakespeare’s The Tempest, which was performed on Appledore Island and at the Bell Center for the Arts last summer.  His screenplay “Can't Get There” was broadcast by PBS, his play “Rump!” won the 1998 Anna Zornio Memorial Children’s Theater Playwriting Award, and his experimental comedy, “And God Said SAID (!@#&!),”  was a top ten pick at the 2001 Montreal Fringe Festival. This is his second ensemble created production at UNH, the first being “The Rake's Progress,” mounted in 2004.
 
For tickets, contact the MUB ticket office Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. at 2-2290 or visit http://www.unhmub.com. Tickets are $12.50 for general admission, $10.50 for seniors, children 12 & under, UNH ID holders, and groups of 15 or more. The Theatre Lobby Box Office opens one hour prior to curtain. For more information, please call the Theatre and Dance office at 2-2919.
 
Photo by UNH Photo Services
Pictured are various UNH students who have been or were cast into the ensemble of THE PALESTINIAN.