9/4/2002

Contact: K.E. Schwab  -- 724-738-2199;  e-mail: karl.schwab@sru.edu

SRU PROFESSOR’S PLAY TRANSLATION DETAILS STREET LIFE

          SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – Slippery Rock University students will presented a dramatic reading of Dr. Deb Cohen’s recently translated play “Chapulines and Other Critters” at 8 p.m. Thursday through Oct 10 and at 2 and 8 p.m. Oct. 12 in Sheehy Theater of Maltby Center. Cohen is a professor of modern languages and cultures.

The play was originally written in Spanish by Costa Rican dramatist Wálter Fernández. Cohen is also directing the drama which centers around seven characters -- reactions to the (offstage) death by beating of a street kid who was trying to mug an old lady. The three major scenes demonstrate the best and worst of human nature between two businessmen, an evangelical taxi driver and her passenger and two brothers. Most of what happens in this play could happen in any large city, anywhere in the world, says Cohen, adding, “Some of it actually did happen in San José, Costa Rica.”

 Playwright Fernández drew from personal experience, news clippings, urban legend, gossip and imagination to create a fascinating study of urban violence, the struggle for power and resources, and the attitudes that some people adopt in order to deal with it all. Due to its adult themes and strong language, this play is not suitable for children under 17. 

The cast includes Renato Bispo of São Paolo, Brazil, Damon Campbell of West Middlesex, Emily Rader of Slippery Rock, Mary Sack of Chadds Ford, and Alan Wildy of Gibsonia. The stage manager is Heather Hoffman of Gibsonia.

The play is part of National Arts and Humanities Month.