Pitt Helps to Bring Cross-Cultural Production of Oedipus Rex to Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH—A cross-cultural production of Sophocles' Greek tragedy, Oedipus Rex, will take place at 8 p.m. Nov. 9 and 10 at the Byham Theater in downtown Pittsburgh's cultural district. Presented in association with the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, the production—which is directed by the world-renowned Tadashi Suzuki and performed by actors from Japan's Shizuoka Performing Arts Center—is cosponsored by the University of Pittsburgh's Department of Theatre Arts, Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures, and Asian Studies Program together with the Japan Council and Toshiba International Foundation.

The Japanese troupe's visit to Pittsburgh is part of its 2001-2002 world tour.

Tadashi Suzuki has played an influential role in Japan's avant-garde theater since the 1960s, and his work has had a powerful influence on theater worldwide. He is the creator of The Suzuki Method, a rigorous physical and vocal discipline for actors, which enables performers to regain the perceptive abilities and powers of their bodies. Drawing on a unique combination of traditional and innovative forms, this training strives to restore the wholeness of the body as a tool of theatrical expression.

Single tickets for Oedipus Rex, available through the Byham Theater box office, are $35 for orchestra/mezzanine; $25 for gallery; and $15 for student rush, which admits students with a valid ID to the best seats available one hour before curtain time. Students also may purchase gallery tickets in advance for $15. Ticket orders my be placed by calling the Byham's box office at 412/456-6666 or by visiting the Web site, www.pgharts.org.

In addition, the Japan-American Society of Western Pennsylvania will sponsor an opening night reception for this cultural event. The Deluxe Opening Night Package includes an orchestra ticket and admission to a special postshow reception for $75. For more information on the event or to order the Deluxe Opening Night Package only, contact the University of Pittsburgh Theatre's box office at 412/624-PLAY (7529).

The North American tour of Suzuki Company is organized by The Japan Society, in

New York City. The Japan Society Performing Arts Program brings Japan's legendary and contemporary performing arts to the United States. The program also commissions new works, organizes national tours, and develops and distributes educational programs. For more information, visit the Society's Web site, www.japansociety.org.