POLISH JOKE by David Ives, directed by Paul Frellick October 26 – November 18 "Polish Joke,” a semi-autobiographical comedy by David Ives about a Polish-American man trying to transcend his ethnic identity, will play August 28 - September 20, 2003.

 
CHAPEL HILL — The Southeastern premiere of "Polish Joke,” a new play by David Ives, will launch the third season of Chapel Hill's Deep Dish Theater Company. Opening on Thursday, August 28, the play tells the comic, poignant story of a Polish-American man’s attempts to escape his ethnic heritage.

"Polish Joke” will play through September 20 in Chapel Hill's University Mall, located on Estes Drive and US 15-501. Thursday through Saturday performances begin at 8 p.m., with Sunday matinees at 3 p.m. There will also be a special early show at 7:30 on Wednesday, September 17. Tickets for all performances are $14. $12 for seniors, and $10 for students. Sunday, August 31, admission is pay-what-you-can. A discussion will follow the matinee performance on Sunday, September 7. The Deep Dish Book Club will discuss “Pears on a Willow Tree” by Leslie Pietrzyk prior to the performance on Thursday, September 18. For reservations and information, call 968-1515.

"Polish Joke" begins with the Chicago boyhood of its hero, Jan “Jasiu” Sadlowski, whose Uncle Roman urges him to rise above the social and professional limitations of his ancestry. As a young man, reluctant to accept a destiny that seemingly allows him few career options beyond janitor, Jan struggles to remake himself, trying different names and national origins on for size in a series of hilarious, sometimes surreal encounters. Playwright Ives, who is himself of Polish descent, has called “Polish Joke” his most “shamelessly autobiographical” work. Ives is best known for the wit and wordplay of his evenings of short comedies, including “All in the Timing” and “Mere Mortals.”

The Deep Dish Theater production will feature Jack Prather as Jan, with David Berberian, Katja Hill, Tracey Phillips, and Rod Rich each playing a host of roles. Hill is a veteran Deep Dish performer, having appeared in "Arms and the Man” and "The Game of Love and Chance”; the other actors are making their Deep Dish debuts. Designers include Christa Devitt (sets), Judy Chang (costumes), Steve Dubay (lights), Noah Davis (sound), and Devra Thomas (properties). Artistic Director Paul Frellick directs.

"I was introduced to David Ives's work about the same time I met my wife's Polish family, and both experiences made a big impression on me,” Frellick says. “So when I heard that Ives's new play was all about growing up Polish in America, I couldn't wait to read it. I was delighted to discover that the play's comedy is rooted not only in the Polish-American culture, but in the trials and tribulations of the ethnic experience in general. We're thrilled to be presenting the play in its Southeastern premiere."

For more information on Deep Dish Theater Company, call 933-5281 or visit the Deep Dish website at www.deepdishtheater.org.