SRU’s Theatre Department to perform ‘Tragedy: a tragedy’ March 1-5

From left, Daniel Haubenreich, Austyn Acker, Kaleb Purswell and Jack Cipriani from the cast of Slippery Rock University’s theater production of “Tragedy: a tragedy.”

Feb. 22, 2024

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. — Slippery Rock University's Theatre Department will present its newest production titled "Tragedy: a tragedy" with five shows March 1-5 at the Stoner West Black Box Theater. Directed by Kari-Anne Innes, a SRU assistant professor of theatre, "Tragedy: a tragedy" will use projections and live-feed videography to bring the entire student-produced show to life. Based on the play by Will Eno, "Tragedy: a tragedy" explores the idea of a world where the sun sets and shows no sign of rising.

Show times and dates are 7:30 p.m., March 1-2 and 4-5 and 2 p.m., March 3. Tickets are $12 for SRU students and $14 for general admission, and people can be purchased online at sru.edu/tickets or in person at the door up to one hour before each performance.

"Audiences can expect a visceral experience inspired by Will Eno's poetic words and the creative team's stunning interpretation of the setting and characters," said Innes. "Students have been an integral part of the process, from helping to research the production to the scenic, lighting, sound and video and projection designers, and, of course, the actors. The content is dark, literally, the sun has set for the last time, but, as in life, there are moments of comedy, tenderness and hope amidst the chaos."

The cast of "Tragedy: a tragedy" includes:

• Jack Cipriani, a sophomore acting major from Moon Township, plays the role of John in the field.
• Kaleb Purswell, a senior acting major from Panama City, Florida, plays the role of Frank in the studio.
• Austyn Acker, a senior acting major from Brandon, Florida, plays the role of Constance at home.
• Daniel Haubenreich, a junior theatre major from Lindenhurst, New York, plays the role of Mike and Legal Advisor.
• Gretchen Jessup, a senior acting major from Amherst, New York, plays the role of a Witness.
• Sam Branch, a junior psychology major from Mars, as an understudy.
• James Traverso, a sophomore acting major from Wallingford, as an understudy.
• Maddee Young, a freshman acting major from Denton, Texas, as an understudy.
• Andrei Pagnotta, a sophomore theatre major from Salem, Ohio, as an understudy.
• Lydia Alkinburgh, a freshman acting major from Marietta, as an understudy.

The creative team for "Tragedy: a tragedy" includes:

• Kari-Anne Innes, a SRU assistant professor of theatre, as the director.
• Riley Gross, senior theatre major from Atlantic, as the associate director
• Cassie Dietrich, a senior dual dance and theatre major from West Alexander, as the director of photography, video, projection, and movement coach.
• Rachel Dercola, a senior theatre major from Sykesville, Maryland, as the stage manager.
• Lexi Gibbs, a sophomore theatre major from Ellwood City, as the assistant stage manager.
• Maggie Mitchell, a freshman theatre major from Ambridge, as the assistant stage manager.
• Aidan Duez, a sophomore acting major from Kingwood, Texas, as the dramaturg.
• Livi Mosca, a senior theatre major from Kent, Ohio, as the scenic designer.
• Isaac Smith, a sophomore theatre major from Edinboro, as the lighting designer.
• Ryan Mounteer, a sophomore theatre major from Sewickley, as the sound designer.
• Sam Kuchta, a SRU assistant professor of theatre, as the faculty design supervisor.
• Rebecca Morrice, a SRU professor of theatre, as the costume designer.
• Mary Hodson, SRU costumer coordinator.
• Michael Boone, SRU technical director.
• Alex Barnhart, SRU assistant technical director.
• Jeyneliz Ortiz-Valentín, a senior acting major from Cranberry Township, as the propmaster.
• Maya Hope, as the publicist.

For more information about theatre programs at SRU, visit the Theatre Departments webpage.

MEDIA CONTACT: Aaliyah Thomas | 724.738.4854 | news@sru.edu