Western’s Department of Theatre and Dance to Present ‘How I Learned to Drive’ March 3-12
Western Washington University’s Department of Theatre and Dance will present Paula Vogel’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play “How I Learned to Drive” at 7:30 p.m. on March 3-12 in the Douglas Underground Theatre in the Performing Arts Center.
The play explores the complexity of sexuality, humanity and forgiveness with a mix of serious and comedic elements.
The production is directed by Rich Brown, who received the Carnegie Foundation’s Professor of the Year for the state of Washington this fall, and features guest artist Mike Mathieu (of the Cody Rivers Show) playing Uncle Peck, a non-comedic role.
The action of the play is recalled by a young woman, Li’l Bit, who comes of age in Maryland during the ‘60s and ‘70s. The story follows the strained sexual relationship between Li'l Bit and her aunt's husband, Uncle Peck, from Li’l Bit’s teenage years into college and adulthood. Using the metaphor of driving and the issue of pedophilia, “How I Learned to Drive” probes ideas of control and manipulation.
Tickets are $12-15 with $5 discounts offered to students with valid student ID. A full list of performances, information about transportation and parking, as well as disability accommodations is available at cfpa.wwu.edu/theatredance.
“How I Learned to Drive” contains sensitive material about mature themes. Western’s sexual assault resource service CASAS will moderate conversations after select performances; see www.cfpa.wwu.edu/theatredance for details.
For more information contact Chris Casquilho, Western’s College of Fine and Performing Arts manager of marketing and special events, at (360) 650-2829, or chris.casquilho@wwu.edu.
Photo at right: Sarah Lavender stars as Li'l Bit in "How I Learned to Drive;" photo by Jonathan Bishofsky-Crews.