In the turbulent times of 1936, the five unmarried Mundy sisters live on a rugged farm outside a small town in Donegal, their lives revolving around Michael, the 8-year old love child of the youngest sister, and the music emanating from their first radio. Dancing at Lughnasa is told from Michael's memories, summoning us back to the summer eve of celebration to the pagan harvest deity Lugh, god of music and light, as the sisters reacquaint themselves with their older brother, Jack, a priest returning home from 25 years as a missionary in Africa. The male presence is compounded when Michael's father unexpectedly arrives for a short sojourn before joining the International Brigade against Franco. In the brief interlude, father forges an awkward bond with son, the hidden wisdom of Jack is revealed, and events spark a celebration of life before it is irrevocably changed forever. This haunting play is Friel’s tribute to the spirit and valor of the past and its people.

Winner in 1992 of the Tony Award for Best Play, the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Broadway Play, and the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Play. Chosen by Time magazine as one of the ten best plays for 1991, the citation called it is the “most elegant and rueful memory play since The Glass Menagerie.”

“. . .this play does exactly what theater was born to do, carrying both its characters and audience aloft on those waves of distant music and ecstatic release that, in defiance of all language and logic, let us dance and dream . . . .” New York Times

Direction: William Tate
Scenic & Lighting Design: Glenn Gauer
Costume Design: Sandra Zodnik

When:
Thursday (Preview), May 22, 7:30 p.m.
Friday - Saturday, May 23 - 24, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 25, 2:00 p.m.
Wednesday - Saturday, May 28 - 31, 7:30 p.m.

DANCING AT LUGHNASA, A "pay what you can" affair in conjunction w/the Oregon Food Bank: Bring two cans of food or cash donation to the performance on Wednesday, May 28, 2008, 7:30 p.m. Cash proceeds benefit PSU Department of Theater Arts. For information call the PSU Box Office: 503-725-3307. Preferred items include: peaner butter, canned beans, canned meats, canned fruits, canned vegetables, soup, stew, chili. *No glass please!

Where: Lincoln Performance Hall (1620 SW Park)

Ticket Prices:
PSU Students at the Door $4.00 (1/2 hr before performance)
PSU Staff/Seniors/Other Students - $8.50*
General Admission - $9.50*

*Includes Service Charge

Tickets may be purchased at the PSU Box Office (503) 725-3307 or through Ticketmaster