Do you want to know what’s funny? Gender politics in British Colonial Africa.
Do you want to know why? Come to see “Cloud Nine” by Caryl Churchill today and tomorrow (Nov. 29 and 30) and Dec. 1 and 2 at the Creative Arts Center.
Churchill is known for her off-the-wall commentary on the human condition. She doesn’t shy away from crude imagery and excessive expletives, but no matter how jarring her work may be, it touches on relevant issues in our society. She makes you think. “Cloud Nine” is no different.
The play takes place across two time periods, British Colonial Africa and 1970s London, and explores ideas of sexual and gender politics that are still very relevant today. Through a wildly satirical lens, Churchill creates a playground for audiences to witness the absurdities of human behavior, and ultimately, as the Brits would say, “Have a jolly good time!”
“Churchill’s play challenges social and political paradigms of the past and present, and leaves us often restless, and uncomfortable,” said director Radhica Ganapathy, assistant professor of theatre history and criticism. “‘Cloud Nine’ is part of the central debate about LGBTQIA rights, people of color rights, women’s rights, immigrant rights, issues pertaining to class, religion and minority rights.”
“Though the play lacks concrete answers and resolutions, ‘Cloud Nine’ concisely showcases commentary on many ranging social issues,” said Elise Rucker, a senior BFA acting major playing Maud and Betty. “It highlights each character's journey through life as it demonstrates how familial/societal expectations and hardships take their toll on each individual. People should come see this play because it's quite the comedic spectacle while simultaneously opening doors for conversations we should all be having!”
Scenic design is by Lindsay Maiorano MFA theatre design and technology student, BFA; lighting design by Thomas Gillette, MFA theatre design and technology; sound design by Alan McEwen, Clinical Associate Professor of Lighting & Sound Design; costume design by Laura Pilkerd MFA theatre design and technology student.
The cast features performances by MFA acting students, Liam Holton Rachel Varley and Ryan Ernst; senior BFA acting students, Jared Munson and Elise Rucker and senior BFA musical theatre students, Haley Hizer and Matthew Glen Clark.
“Cloud Nine” is part of WVU’s College of Creative Arts Curiosity Series, a sampling of the diverse art events that happen in the college each year. These events feature students, faculty and internationally acclaimed guest artists hosted by the School of Art & Design, School of Music and School of Theatre & Dance. Exhibitions at the Art Museum of WVU feature artists from West Virginia and around the world.
The play is for mature audiences only.
“Cloud Nine” will take the stage in the Glady G. Davis Theatre at the Creative Arts Center. Tickets for “Cloud Nine” are available on campus at the Mountainlair and Creative Arts Center Box Office locations (Mon. - Fri. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.), by calling 304.293.SHOW (7469) and online at ticketmaster.com. To inquire about group rates, email cac@mail.wvu.edu.