“Peer Gynt,” Henrik Ibsen’s verse play about the power of
dreams and the quest for self-identity, will be presented Monday-Saturday,
Feb. 4-9, by the Yale School of Drama.
Originally written as a poem and later adapted by Ibsen for the stage, “Peer
Gynt” follows the title character on a fantastical journey from the supernatural
kingdom of trolls (where he’s taken in his dreams) to the deserts of
Africa and beyond as he searches for his “true self.” The story
combines comedy and the terrifying as it explores people’s need to dream,
to better themselves and the violence of their progress. A website created
for the production at http://drama.yale.edu/peergynt invites individuals to submit their own “wildest dream.”
The work is the thesis production of director Mike Donahue, who is currently
a third-year M.F.A. candidate in directing at the School of Drama. At the School
of Drama, he has directed the productions “The 60s: Nov. 22, 1963-April
4, 1968,” “Ways to Survive the World: Parts I-III,” “Bibles
and Candy” and “Titus Andronicus.” He also directed “Electronic
City” and “Brand” at Yale Cabaret and was executive producer
of the 2007 Summer Cabaret, where he directed “God Is a DJ” and “The
Vote: Bacchae.” He earned his B.A. in 2005 at Harvard, where he studied
under Robert Woodruff, Marcus Stern, Gideon Lester and Robert Scanlan, and
was the 2005 recipient of the Louis Sudler Prize for artistic excellence. At
The Muny in St. Louis, Donahue served as the assistant to the executive producer
for the 2001-2003 seasons, and then as the associate producer for the 2004
season.
The cast of “Peer Gynt” includes Zach Appelman, Will Connolly,
John Doherty, Austin Durant, Laura Esposito, Brian Hastert, Alex Knox, Barret
O’Brien, Brenna Palughi, Erica Sullivan, Adria Vitlar and Liz Wisan.
The production features sets by Andrew Boyce, costumes by Moria Clinton, lights
by Chuan Chi Chan, sound by Veronika Vorel and fight direction by Aaron Verdery.
“Peer Gynt” will be performed at the New Theater, 1156 Chapel St.,
in New Haven. Seating is limited. Performances are at 8 p.m. Monday-Friday, with
a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday.
Tickets are $18 for general admission and $12 for students and seniors. Discounted
rates for groups of 10 or more are also available. Tickets may be purchased
online at www.yale.edu/drama or by calling (203) 432-1234. They may also be
purchased in person at the Yale Repertory Theatre box office at 1120 Chapel
St. (at York Street).
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