March 21, 2014

‘Belarusian Dream Theater’ coming to SIU

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Southern Illinois University Carbondale will participate in “Belarusian Dream Theater,” an international coordinated cultural event next week designed to raise awareness and interest in the eastern European country of Belarus. 

The event features new short plays, presented simultaneously as performances or readings, in 18 partner theaters in 13 different countries.  SIU’s portion of this effort takes place at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 25, in the Christian H. Moe Theater in the Communications Building.  There is no admission fee. 

SIU’s involvement extends beyond performance and reading.  Jacob Juntunen, assistant professor of playwriting and producer for SIU’s part in this event, wrote one of the new plays included in the dream theater set. His play, “See Him?” will be part of performances also taking place in Australia, Belarus, Canada, Denmark, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Norway, Poland, Ukraine, and, in the United States in New York City, Chicago and Los Angeles. 

Brendan McCall, artistic director of Ensemble Free Theater Norway, coordinated the event in order to stimulate a greater knowledge and interest in Belarus among international audiences. His prior involvement with Belarus Free Theater inspired this event.  McCall’s efforts to raise awareness about the lack of free-speech rights and other issues in Belarus earned him an international journalism award. 

In addition to Juntunen and the Department of Theater, Big Muddy New Plays, a registered student organization, and Meghann Pytka, a lecturer in history and in women, gender and sexuality studies, supported the event and brought it to SIU. 

For more information, contact Juntunen at jjuntunen@siu.edu.