Press Releases

The Denison theatre department will present a work-in-progress of Arthur Kopit, one of America's leading playwrights. Kopit, Denison’s Reynolds Playwright-in-Residence, is weaving a play called “Discovery of America,” a fascinating story that examines the life of Cabeza de Vaca, the first European to sojourn across the American continent. Denison theatre students will debut their stage reading of the play from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, April 18, in Ace Morgan Theatre (211 West College Street). They also will perform at the same time on Saturday, April 19; Tuesday, April 22; Wednesday, April 23; Thursday, April 24; Friday, April 25; and Saturday, April 26. Tickets are $8 for general admission, $5 for senior citizens and $4 for non-Denison students.

A boldly theatrical work — sometimes comic, sometimes tragic, always entertaining — “Discovery of America,” is a sharp-witted and thought-provoking exploration of memory and history and their tenuous relationship with objective truth ... whatever that is.

The play is based on the journal of Cabeza De Vaca, who survived a disastrous expedition to claim Florida for Spain. The controversial journal is psychologically, historically and culturally insightful because it is one of the first in-depth written accounts of America.

Theatre department students began rehearsing the play in late February under the direction of Associate Professor of Theatre John Sipes.

Kopit is most famous for his full productions, “Oh Dad, Poor Dad, Mamma’s Hung You In The Closet And I'm Feelin’ So Sad,” “Indians,” “Wings,” “End of the World” and “The Day the Whores Came Out To Play.” Current projects, in addition to “Discovery of America,”include a film version of “Nine,” to be directed by Rob Marshall and starring Javier Bardem, Penelope Cruz, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Marion Cotillard and Sophia Loren; and two new plays. He is praised for his ease with language, impressive theatricality and parodies of American popular culture.

For more biographical information about Arhtur Kopit, Denison University’s Jonathan R. Reynolds Playwright-in-Residence, please link here.

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CALENDAR LISTING: Denison University, Granville — Staged reading of a work-in-progress: “Discovery of America” by Arthur Kopit performed by Denison Theatre department, 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday, April 18; Saturday, April 19; Tuesday, April 22; Wednesday, April 23; Thursday, April 24; Friday, April 25; and Saturday, April 26, Ace Morgan Theatre (211 West College Street). For more information, contact Marilyn Sundin at 740-587-6231.