TheatreUNCA Stages "Cloud Nine" March 22-26;
Cutting-Edge Play Examines Race, Gender and Class Identity

The questions surrounding race, gender and class have posed challenges to critical thinkers for hundreds of years. TheatreUNCA will ask audiences these age-old questions in new and humorous ways with the staging of Caryl Churchill’s ‘Cloud Nine’ from March 22-26 in UNC Asheville’s Carol Belk Theatre. Because the production contains strong language and sexual situations, it is intended for adult audiences only.

“Cloud Nine” is a romp through the contrasting worlds of sexually repressive colonial Africa and sexually liberated modern London. It mocks colonial and sexual repressions in a farce that employs racial and gender cross-casting to make its points. Men play female characters; women play male characters; a dutiful matron morphs into a vulnerable gay man, while a sexually promiscuous explorer becomes a mischievous 4-year-old girl.

“Cloud Nine” is directed by Laura Facciponti, UNC Asheville associate professor of drama. Drama Department Chair and Associate Professor Rob Bowen designed lighting and sound, while Robert Berls, assistant professor of drama, designed the set and multi-media installations. Costumes were designed by Assistant Professor Ida Bostian. The all-student cast includes sophomore Alex Barnett-Howell, sophomore Katie Fuller, senior Patrick Kalk, junior Ashley Mauney, senior Gregory Roberts-Gassler, junior Kenny Rosander, junior Shawna Rosendale-Watkins and sophomore Jessica Short.

Curtain is 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $10 general admission, $8 senior citizens and $5 students. Because of the intimate size of Carol Belk Theatre and often heavy demand for tickets, advance purchase is strongly advised. Tickets may be charged by phone by calling 828/232-2291 between 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays. Tickets are also available at the box office one hour before each curtain and online at www.unca.edu/drama.

Media Contacts:

• Laura Facciponti, UNC Asheville Associate Professor of Drama, 828/232-2992
• Jill Yarnall, UNC Asheville Public Information Assistant Director, 828/251-6526