Published by Communications and Public Affairs (519) 824-4120, Ext. 56982 or 53338
News Release
March 23, 2004
Interactive spectacle premieres on campus
An original spectacle that will move between three outdoor locations and two buildings on the University of Guelph campus premieres March 23 and runs until March 27. Sand in the Machine, created by drama professors Alan Filewod and Jerrard Smith, will begin at George Luscombe Theatre in the MacKinnon Building at 8:30 p.m.
Although audience members will begin at the theatre, it’s only the starting point to the production involving more than 75 people.
“Sand in the Machine is the largest production the drama program has ever done,” said Filewod. “It combines political fable, drama, variety shows, giant puppets, ninjas, vaudeville and processions. The audience arrives as VIP guests to the inauguration of a new political system called Perfect Justice in the mythical land of Quelchland, and are led through the evening's events by their tour guides.”
Filewod said the production is a mix of political satire and street theatre, requiring actors to deliver both scripted and improvised lines. Smith’s expertise in large-scale site-specific theatre design and mask-making made the production’s moving set and use of giant puppets possible.
Tickets are $7 and $9 and will be sold at the door.
For media questions, contact Communications and Public Affairs: Lori Bona Hunt (519) 824-4120, Ext. 53338, or Rachelle Cooper, (519) 824-4120, Ext. 56982.
