VIA DOLOROSA by David Hare Directed by Paul Frellick February 5 – 28 This probing and powerful work, in its regional premiere, recounts the British playwright’s travels and conversations with residents in Israel and Gaza, vividly evoking the powerful ideologies and passionate emotions of the region and will play Feb. 5 - 28. The Deep Dish Book Selection is "Martyrs' Crossing" by Amy Wilentz, will be discussed on Thursday, February 26 in the Tyndall Galleries in University Mall.

Deep Dish Theater Company Presents

Regional Premier of “Via Dolorosa”

CHAPEL HILL—David Hare’s “Via Dolorosa” will be presented by the Deep Dish Theater Company from Thursday, Feb. 5, through Saturday, Feb. 28. This probing and powerful work, in its regional premiere, recounts the British playwright’s travels and conversations with residents in Israel and Gaza, vividly evoking the powerful ideologies and passionate emotions of the region.

Deep Dish is located 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, Feb. 25. Tickets for all performances are $14, $12 for seniors, and $10 for students.  Sunday, Feb. 8, admission is pay-what-you-can. For reservations and information, call 968-1515.

Discussions will follow both the evening performance on Thursday, Feb.19, and the matinee performance on Sunday, Feb. 22.  The Deep Dish Book Club will discuss “Martyrs’ Crossing” by Amy Wilentz at 7 PM on Thursday, Feb. 26.

One of Britain’s most celebrated playwrights, David Hare originally wrote “Via Dolorosa” to perform himself, which he did to acclaim in both London and New York.  Having been commissioned to write a play about Israel on the occasion of its fiftieth anniversary, he decided to document his visit to the country and the many people, Israeli and Palestinian, he encountered during his time there.

The Deep Dish Theater production will feature well-known Triangle actor David zum Brunnen. Designers include Christa Devitt (sets), Judy Chang (costumes), Steve Dubay (lights), and Devra Thomas (properties). Kit Wienert is composing music for the production, which is directed by Deep Dish Artistic Director Paul Frellick.

“This play is really unique,” says Frellick.  “On the surface it couldn’t be simpler—one man recalling events and conversations from a trip abroad.  But by the end of 90 minutes, the author has assembled an astonishingly complex picture of the forces at work in the Middle East and the multi-faceted nature of the conflict there.”

“‘Via Dolorosa’ has all the brilliant, lightning-witted writing of Hare’s other well-known plays (“Plenty,” “The Secret Rapture,” “Skylight,” etc.), but above all, the play is a very human look at the present state of life in Israel and the occupied territories.  It’s a heady mix of ideas and passions—there should be plenty for theater-goers to talk about on the way home.”

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