Florida Players presents 'The Pillowman'

November 5, 2009

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida Players, the University of Florida’s student-run theatre group, continues its fall 2009 showcase season with Martin McDonagh’s terrifying and funny The Pillowman on Nov. 6, 7 and 8, in the Phillips Center Squitieri Studio Theatre, formerly the Black Box Theatre.

In a totalitarian police state, acclaimed writer Katurian is brought in for questioning because his gruesome short stories bear a strong resemblance to a recent string of child murders. After failing to elicit a confession from the writer, the two detectives change the game by revealing that Katurian’s brother, Michal, is also being held in custody. Throughout the play, Katurian narrates several of his stories as he struggles to protect himself, his brother and ultimately the legacy of his work.

Director Alex Hernandez has taken a unique cinematic approach to the piece, focusing on “the forgotten art” of storytelling. Setting the performance within an unusually open atmosphere, Hernandez hopes to place The Pillowman in the context of the other arts it represents.

Show times are Nov. 6 at 7 p.m., Nov. 7 at 1 and 4 p.m., and Nov. 8 at 2 and 7 p.m. The performances are free and open to the public.

Tickets may be reserved through the Florida Players Web site at www.floridaplayers.org. For special accommodations, contact Disability Affairs Cabinet, 72 hours in advance. This production contains adult themes and may not be suitable for children.

Florida Players is a student-run theater company that provides opportunities for students to explore the world of theatre and showcase their talents in doing so. Sponsored by UF Student Government, Florida Players produces plays and musicals throughout each school year and is open to students of all majors. Since its founding in 1932, the organization’s purpose has been to facilitate the acclimation of students into the professional theatre environment. Florida Players offers students opportunities in all aspects of theatre, including direction, design, performance and playwriting, as well as leadership positions. Florida Players also offers master classes led by professional artists in the field, most recently hosting sessions with Tony Award winners Gregory Jbara and Katie Finneran.