Caryl Churchill is one of England’s most influential playwrights. Works such as “Cloud Nine” (1979), “Top Girls” (1982) and “Drunk Enough to Say I Love You” (2006) have shaped the way contemporary dramatists engage issues of gender, sexuality and power while breaking new ground in terms of theatrical structure and narrative.
But with “Love and Information” (2012), Churchill presents arguably her most audacious work to date. Fourteen actors perform more than 100 roles across a dizzying 50 scenes — a bravura, kaleidoscopic performance.
“I don’t think Churchill ever sets out merely to create a tricky or unusual structure,” said Andrea Urice, senior lecturer in the Performing Arts Department in Arts & Sciences, who will direct “Love and Information” over two weekends April 1-10. “That’s just how her brain works.”
At the same time, “Churchill has a great ear for pacing and dialogue,” Urice said. “The writing is so strong, minute-to-minute. In lesser hands, it wouldn’t fly.”
The result, said Urice, is an evening of breathtaking ambition.
“’Love and Information’ captures the sense of information overload — and the longing for human connection — that defines our digital age.”
Cast and Crew
The ensemble cast is led by seniors Schuyler Atkins, Charley Cotton, Alex Felder, Adam Harris, Juliette Hourani, Helen Li and Julia Zasso.
Also starring are junior Danny Marshall and sophomores Krista Galleberg, Scott Greenberg and Noah Weiner. Rounding out the cast are first-year students Ebby Offord, Carly Rosenbaum and Cameron Wen.
Set design is by Monica Green. Costumes are by Sallie Durbin, with assistance from Lia Slaton and fashion consultant Chloe Karmin. Lighting is by Dominick Ehling. Sound is by Sean Savoie, with assistance from Kayla McAnally.
Assistant director is Meghan McLeroy. Stage manager is Sarah Azizo, with assistance from Kaia Lyons. Props are by Kat McPhail.
Tickets and performances
Performances of “Love and Information” begin at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 1 and 2, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 3, in the A.E. Hotchner Studio. Performances continue the following weekend, at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 8 and 9, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 10.
The A.E. Hotchner Studio Theatre is located in Mallinckrodt Center, 6465 Forsyth Blvd. Tickets are $15, or $10 for students, seniors and Washington University faculty and staff, and are available through the Edison Theatre Box Office.
For more information, call 314-935-6543 or visit pad.artsci.wustl.edu.
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