Arcadia opens at BU Theatre
College of Fine Arts presents Stoppard’s exploration of truth
Arcadia, Tom Stoppard’s play exploring the nature of truth and time, the difference between the Classical and the Romantic temperaments, and the disruptive influence of sex, opened a five-performance run April 25 on the Boston University Theatre mainstage. The production is directed by Eve Muson, an assistant professor in the College of Fine Arts school of theatre.
Set in 1809, the play pits two opposing historical epochs against each other: the 18th-century Age of Enlightenment, which stressed orderly, rational thought and conformity to accepted rules and forms, and early 19th-century Romanticism, which was a deliberate revolt against Enlightenment ideals.
Stoppard, who was born in Czechoslovakia in 1937, worked first as a journalist, specializing in film and theater criticism, and then became a playwright. He has written such well-known works as Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, Jumpers, and Travesties.
Director Muson received the 2002 Addison Award for Best Direction for the BU production of Venus. Twice cited for outstanding direction by the Kennedy Center/American College Theatre Festival, she teaches acting, playwriting, and dramatic literature.
Arcadia is being performed on Thursday, April 27, at 7:30 p.m., Friday, April 28, and Saturday, April 29, at 8 p.m., and Sunday, April 30, at 2 p.m. at the Boston University Theatre, 264 Huntington Ave., Boston. Tickets are $10 for general admission and $8 for students and senior citizens; members of the BU community can receive one free ticket with BU ID on the day of the performance, subject to availability. Call the box office at 617-933-8600 or visit www.BostonTheatreScene.com.