Panel discussion explores environmental issues raised by VWC Theatre Department's spring production
By Stephanie Smaglo | March 3, 2016
It may be a satirical comedy, but it raises some very important issues.
In conjunction with its spring production of Urinetown, the Virginia Wesleyan College Theatre Department hosted a campus-wide panel discussion March 3 on environmental issues raised by the musical.
Moderated by history major and theatre minor Olivia Birmingham '16, the panel explored questions related to environmental sustainability, water conservation, public policy, and theatre's role in portraying these issues.
Virginia Wesleyan faculty panelists included Professor of Biology Maynard Schaus, Professor of Earth Science Chris Haley, Professor of Political Science William Gibson, and Professor of Theatre Sally Shedd.
Urinetown: The Musical, by Greg Kotis and Mark Hollmann, takes place in a Gotham-like city where a 20-year drought has led to a government-enforced ban on private toilets. The VWC production is directed by Associate Professor of Theatre Travis Malone.
"This event and show is just an example as to how theatre can present multiple sides to a story," says Malone. "The musical doesn't present solutions to water conservation and political revolution. Instead, it asks the audience to make their own choice, because ultimately real change comes from individuals working together for solutions rather than attempting to follow extreme ideologies."
Showtimes are March 2-4 at 7:30 p.m.; March 5 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and March 6 at 2 p.m. All performances take place in Hofheimer Theater. Public ticket prices range from $10-15; free to the VWC community with ID. For reservations, call 757.455.3381, email tdhority@vwu.edu, or visit ShowTix4U.com (search for Virginia Wesleyan College).