A sample press release

CONTACT:   Matt Lee

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Elon University

ELON UNIVERSITY PROMOTING

DIVERSITY AWARENESS THROUGH PLAY

The performance will expand the “Learn. Engage. Appreciate.” diversity-themed Winter Term and reflect the university’s commitment to global engagement. 

January 18, 2013- Elon, North Carolina— Elon University’s Department of Performing Arts presents “Cloud Nine” as a part of the university’s 2013 Winter Term goal focused on exploring human differences. “Cloud Nine” parodies the Victorian Empire and its rigid attitudes toward sex and gender.

Fredrick J. Rubeck, chair of Elon’s Department of Performing Arts, is directing the play written by British playwright Caryl Churchill in 1978. Cloud Nine” is divided into two acts following the life of British aristocrats and African natives through their journey with both colonial and sexual oppression. The characters include Clive, a British aristocrat; his wife Betty (played by a man), their daughter Victoria (a rag doll); Clive’s son Edward (played by a woman); and Joshua, a native servant.

Many of the actors play characters of different gender roles to parody the Victorian Empire’s stereotypes. In the second act, actors switch parts and continue to play characters whose genders differ from the actor’s own sex.

“Casting was most difficult because the demands on the actors are very different from act one to act two,” Rubeck said.

The play uses controversial portrayals of sexuality and obscene language. Churchill wrote the play to convey her political message about accepting people who are different and not dominating them or forcing them into particular social roles, according to her personal accounts about the play.

Ciara Dixon, a music theatre major at Elon University, wants the audience understand Churchill’s message despite its unique presentation.

“I think the play is very eccentric and audiences will enjoy it but be confused by it,” Dixon said. “Hopefully [the actors] do a good enough job in delivering its message adequately.”

The performance, chosen for Elon’s 2013 Winter Term theme of understanding and tolerating diversity, is sold out for Friday and Saturday. Tickets are still available for Sunday’s show at 2 p.m. and Jan. 21-23 and Feb. 6-8 at 7:30 p.m. shows. The final performance will be on Feb. 9 at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $12 for guests and free for Elon students.

Elon University’s Department of Performing Arts has earned a strong national reputation for conservatory-style training grounded in the liberal arts and sciences.

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