2009 Theatre Archive

• January 29-31, 2009
• Produced and Directed by Nina Haft & Eric Kupers
• (Univ. Theatre)

GO! Is a one-of-a-kind event celebrating dance and dance education throughout Northern California. Join the CSUEB Dance Faculty and students from across the region for a dynamic dance convergence.

• February 8 2009
• Written by Sam Shephard and Joseph Chaikin
• Directed by Eric Kupers
• (Univ. Theatre)

"Tongues" is a dance/theatre/music show written by Sam Shephard and Joseph Chaikin and directed by Eric Kupers, a member of the Cal State East Bay faculty. "Tongues" is performed with a multi-racial, intergenerational, physically integrated cast of dancers, actors and musicians - with and without disabilities - and investigates a flood of memories, emotions and insights during one man's last moments of life."Tongues" heads to Southern California to perform in the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival at California State University, Fullerton.

• March 6-8, 13-15, 2009
• Music by Duke Ellington
• Directed by Darryl V. Jones, Choreographed by Laura Ellis
• Music Jazz Program Director Johannes Wallman
• (Univ. Theatre)

This stylish and brassy retrospective has taken audiences and critics alike by storm throughout the world. It’s a high-stepping salute inspired by the glamorous nightlife and sensuous high life of a man who lived to love. Come relive the age of the Speakeasy at the infamous Cotton Club and enjoy jazz classic songs like “Satin Doll,” “It Don’t Mean a Thing,” and “Mood Indigo.” Come uptown with us as we tap, jitterbug, glide and truck to the music that defined the era we now call the Harlem Renaissance.

• May 1-3, 8-9, 2009
• By Lois Lowry, Adapted by Eric Coble
• Directed by A. Fajilan
• (Univ. Theatre)

The Giver is set in a futuristic society of “sameness.” This community thrives without the messiness of emotional memories, and the Giver is the only one privy to this truth.  As the new Giver, 12 year old Jonas must decide the fate of the community.  This inspiring play is based on the Newbery Award-Winning book, and is a provocative adventure for tweens.

• May 29-31, June 5-6, 2009
• Produced by Darryl V. Jones, Nina Haft, and Tom Hird
• (Univ. Theatre)

Buckle up as the next generation of cutting-edge artists takes you on a wild ride across the borderlands of dance, theatre and music! Fusion showcases original works directed and choreographed by advanced students.

• July 24-25, 2009
• The original musical by Jay Chee and JoAnn Yuen
• Directed by A. Fajilan
• (Univ. Theatre)

"Almond Eyes" tells the story of the life of dancer Dorothy Takahashi and her partner, Paul Wing Jew (shortened to Toy & Wing for marquee appeal), who were known as the Asian Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire. Discrimination on the West Coast during World War II dashed their dreams of fame in Hollywood and their careers concluded with the demise of the famed Chop Suey Circuit in San Francisco where Asian American performers (known as "Orientals") entertained in elaborate supper clubs during the ‘40s and ‘50s. Through Broadway-style music, dance and comedy, "Almond Eyes" tells an uplifting story of love, breakups, and reunions that are interwoven with California's Asian American history. The love story shares Asian American history from the 1930s through 1950s and is told in Broadway-style music, dance and comedy.

The Grant Avenue Follies, a San Francisco troupe of Asian American chorus girls who began performing in San Francisco as early as the 1940s, will perform on the California State University, East Bay stage July 24-25 following the Highlands Summer Theatre production of “Almond Eyes.” Several members of the Grand Avenue Follies, who are now aged 60-76, will recreate a number to close CSUEB shows. Toy, now 91, is to attend opening night.

• August 7-8, 14-16 2009
• By Shakespeare
• Directed by Melissa Hillman
• (Univ. Theatre)

Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare’s timeless tale of violence and passion, gets a fast-paced modern staging by faculty member Melissa Hillman, Artistic Director of Impact Theatre.

• November 13-14, 20-21, 2009
• Written and directed by Marc Jacobs
• Choreography by Nina Haft
• Original music by Rafael Hernandez
• (Univ. Theatre)

In August 2002 four soldiers returned to Fort Bragg from active duty in Afghanistan. Within five weeks, all four had murdered their wives. "The Iago Syndrome" is about the fatal combination of domestic discord and post traumatic stress disorder.

• December 4-5, 2009
• Program A: Dec. 4 at 7 p.m.
• Program B: Dec. 5 at 4 p.m.
• Program C: Dec. 5 at 8 p.m.
• Dance Studio (PE 140)
• (Univ. Theatre)

Produced by Nina Haft, Eric Kupers and the CSUEB dance faculty. Show Choir Produced and directed by Darryl V. Jones. This annual holiday concert introduces performers and work from across the campus and community. See the seeds of pieces that will develop throughout the year, the bold experiments of both advanced and fledgling students. It’s a diverse feast for the senses.

• December 4-5, 2009
• Original works by local and student playwrights
• Directed by A Fajilan, Eric Kupers
• (Univ. Theatre)

Along with familiar global folktales and Sufi wisdom tales, "Ring the Bells for Change" brings us new children's stories from Thich Nhat Hanh and Nelson Mandela. Children of all ages will be delighted with these whimsical stories of kindness, compassion, and forgiveness. Meet fantastic characters dancing, cavorting, and stumbling through life's silly challenges. "Ring the Bells for Change" puts World beat on our local stage to remind us that during tough times, our shared humanity can reach beyond borders.