The University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s Department of Performing and Visual Arts-Theatre and Pioneer Players will present “The Dumb Waiter” by Harold Pinter. Performances are February 18-21 at 7:30pm and February 22 at 2:00pm. All performances will be in the Center for the Arts-Theatre on the campus of the UW-Platteville.
Written in 1957 by British playwright, Harold Pinter, this absurdist one-act play tells the story of two hitmen who sit in a windowless basement waiting for orders on their next job.
According to Ann Dillon Farrelly, the play’s director, “As with any great existential, Absurdist play, Pinter is using this story to tell a larger story about obedience to perceived authority and the frustrating inclination for human beings to blindly follow along because enlightenment is uncomfortable and dangerous. As Gus starts to question his role more and more, he becomes a threat not only to Ben but to the entire system of which he is a part.”
This play features graduating senior performers Jamie Wodack (fine arts-theatre) as Gus and Max Konop (mechanical engineering) as Ben. Joining Farrelly on the production team are UW-Platteville faculty and staff Jeffrey Strange as scenic and lighting designer and Sarah Strange as costume designer. Students on the production staff and crew include Leila Kreul as stage manager, Aurora Schmid, Dannie French, Ethan Gallo, and Erin Lenz.
“Theatre of the Absurd is always relevant and feels even more so at the moment,” said Farrelly.
The production will run approximately 60 minutes with no intermission. Tickets are $15 for general admission and $5 for students/under 18. All tickets for the Wednesday, February 18 performance are $5, as a part of our “One-Price Wednesday” special for plays in the CFA Theatre. For tickets, visit https://uwplatt.vbotickets.com/event/the_dumb_waiter/170196 or call the University Box Office at 608.342.1298.