TWU Theatre Presents Two Sisters and a Piano

2/6/04

DENTON — A dangerous mix of politics and passion leads to an excruciating test of the soul as the Texas Woman’s University Theatre Department presents Two Sisters and a Piano, a Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Cuban-born playwright Nilo Cruz

Performances are scheduled at 8 p.m. Feb. 18-21, with matinees at 4 p.m. Feb. 17 and 2 p.m. Feb. 22. All performances will take place in the Redbud Theatre on Bell Avenue on TWU’s Denton campus. Ticket prices are $5 for students and senior citizens and $10 for adults. For reservations and other information, call the TWU Theatre Box Office at (940) 898-2020.

Two Sisters and a Piano is set in 1991 Havana, just after the collapse of the Soviet empire. Two sisters — Maria Celia, a writer, and Sofia, a pianist — have endured two years in prison after speaking out against Castro’s regime. They are released from prison, only to be placed under house arrest. Maria (portrayed by Alison Trapp of Denton) longs for her husband, who has fled the country and is trying to secure the sisters’ freedom. Sofia (Sasha Truman-McGonnell of Wolf, Okla.), starved for love and excitement, fantasizes about romance and freedom in the outside world.

The sisters’ confinement is overseen by Lieutenant Portuondo (Lorenzo Hernandez of El Paso), who brings gifts of food and rum but also is armed with contraband letters from Maria’s husband. Though he initially uses the letters to dominate Maria, the lieutenant eventually falls in love with her.

The play is loosely based on the life story of Cuban artist Maria Elena Cruz Varela, who, after writing a manifesto against the Communist regime, was imprisoned and then released, only to be placed under house arrest for a number of years.

TWU’s production of Two Sisters and a Piano is directed by drama professor Dr. Mary Lou Hoyle. Other cast members include Jason Morgan of Irving as Victor, and Travis Ross of Jacksonville as a militia guard. The cast also consists of a seven-member ensemble featuring Keri Sternin of Aubrey, Macy Thornton of Denton, Joshua Scott Hancock of Kilgore, Dustin Remmert of Houston, Audra McHenry of Jacksonville, Kristina Lopez of San Antonio and Effua Oginga of Baltimore, Md.

The production features a bi-level set designed by Dallas architect Art Rogers of Rogers and Associates Architectural Firm. Crew members are Casey Bellows of Rio Vista, costume design; Jason Morgan of Irving, properties design; Jaymes Gregory of Haltom City, sound design; and lighting design by TWU assistant visiting professor Michael Scudday. The production staff includes Redbud Theatre technical director Jerry Dawson; assistant director Dennis Sloan of Carrollton; stage manager Ben Derby of Syracuse, N.Y.; and assistant stage managers Veronica Parrish-McGruder of Dallas and Reginald Peters of Dangerfield.

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For Further Information Contact:

Karen Treat
Senior Copywriter
Tel: (940) 898-3456
e-mail: ktreat@twu.edu