Embracing the Differences
Theatre Program’s ‘Hair’ Connects Past Social Movements to the Present
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There are 25 cast members in this production of 'Hair.' |
ALBANY, N.Y. (March 20, 2018) – The University’s theatre program will present four performances of “Hair” this weekend beginning on Thursday, March 22 in the Performing Arts Center.
The rock musical that premiered on Broadway in 1968 portrays the hippie counter-culture and sexual revolution of the 1960s.
The production’s interpretation of the smash-hit show seeks to tie the social movements of the 1960s to those of the present, Chad Larabee, director of the production, said.
“We wanted to find a way to bridge the social activism of the 60s with what has been developing today,” said Larabee. He said the show opens with scenes depicting the recent Me Too and Black Lives Matter movements.
The goal of the show is to encourage meaningful conversations on racism, sexism, homophobia and environmental issues, according to Emily Jenkins, a senior theater major.
“Our hope is that after people watch the show, it’ll open their eyes to real situations that are happening now so that they’ll be able to go out and make change in their own world and life,” she said.
In the production, Jenkins will be portraying Sheila Franklin, a New York University student and aspiring political activist.
Another key theme of the University’s production is promoting inclusivity, said Jonathan Liuzzo, a junior theater major.
“Some people say, ‘Don’t see differences,’ but this show tries to show how differences should instead be embraced and understood,” said Liuzzo, whose character is Claude Hooper Bukowski, another member of the “tribe” of longhaired revolutionaries.
Show times
- March 22: 7 p.m.
- March 23: 3 p.m.
- March 24: 7 p.m.
- March 25: 2 p.m.
To order tickets, call 518-442-3997 or visit the PAC Box Office. Advance tickets for general admission are $18 and $15 for students, seniors and faculty/staff. Tickets can also be purchased at the door.
For more information, visit the PAC website.
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