Playwright Charles L. Mee has taken the oldest existing play in the Western World, "The Suppliant Women" by the Greek playwright Aeschylus, mashed it up, and reformed it into a sometimes funny, sometimes brutal, ultimately moving spectacle.

The compelling postmodern tragicomedy "Big Love"—which features a sustainable set made of recycled materials—addresses the issues of marriage, gender equality and domestic violence. Based on the "Danaid Trilogy" by Aeschylus, "Big Love" tells the story of three brides who are betrothed to undesirable suitors and flee to Italy seeking asylum. As the men pursue them, the brides resolve to find a way out of their predicament creates exciting twists and turns.

The brides are played by Carmen Lawrence, Laura Levine and Laura Straughbaugh. The suitors are played by played by Sloan Hickson, Chris Hinton and Charles Wilkes.

The production also incorporates six extras as chorus members in a manner reminiscent of Asian theatrical traditions.

Every element of the production uses recycled materials, according to director Derek Davidson. Sustainable elements include the use of recycled newspapers, cardboard and fabric, and minimal use of paint. The Valborg lobby will also display details of the director's mission to create sustainable theatre.

Tickets

Ticket prices are $6 for Appalachian students and $15 for adults. Tickets are available at the Valborg Theatre box office Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 2 - 5 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday 12:30 - 5 p.m., online from the Farthing Auditorium online box office, or by phone at 828-262-3063.

Location & Parking

The Valborg Theatre is located on the north side of Chapell Wilson Hall on Howard Street. The door faces the back of the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts on King Street. Parking on campus is available after 5 p.m. in faculty lots, the College Street parking deck near Belk Library and Information Commons, and the Rivers Street parking deck.

Virginia Parker as Mama, left, has stern advice for reluctant brides Laura Levine, Laura Strausbaugh and Carmen Lawrence in Appalachian State University Department of Theatre and Dance's production of Charles Mee's "Big Love."

Contact

For more information, please contact...

Dawn Shepler-Hamilton
(828) 262-3063
sheplerhamiltonde@appstate.edu