The University of Delaware’s Professional Theatre Training Program will present three plays this spring. “The Trial,” “The Winter’s Tale” and “Private Lives” will be presented in rotating repertory from April 11 through May 2, in Hartshorn Hall.

"The Winter's Tale"

Jewel Walker’s adaptation of the novel by Franz Kafka, “The Trial,” is a dramatization of one of the great novels of the 20th century. A man is accused of a crime that no one will explain to him. The main character, Joseph K., wakes up on his 30th birthday and discovers that he is being arrested. He does not know why he is being charged. The play unfolds as he faces a random and bureaucratic horror in his race for an acquittal from an unknown offense.

William Shakespeare’s “The Winter’s Tale” is a story of renewal, redemption, tragedy, comedy, blame and forgiveness. Jealousy leads King Leontes of Sicilia on a downward spiral of misfortune, losing his family and dignity. The magical drama takes an unexpected turn 16 years later when the character is healed through time and the workings of the human heart.

“Private Lives” by Noel Coward is the story of a divorced couple, Amanda and Elyot, who end up honeymooning with their new mates at the same hotel in the French Riviera. Sparks begin to fly when the ex-spouses end up going to Paris to rediscover the reasons why they could not live together in the first place.

“The Trial” opens on Thursday, April 11 at 7:30 p.m., and evening performances continue on Friday, April 12; Sunday, April 14; Thursday, April 25; and Tuesday, April 30. Afternoon shows are scheduled at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 20 and Sunday, April 21.

"Private Lives"

“The Winter’s Tale” will be performed at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 17; Thursday, April 18; Friday, April 19; Tuesday, April 23; Saturday, April 27; and Thursday, May 2. Afternoon shows are scheduled at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 27, where there is an opportunity to talk with the actors after the performance, and on Sunday, April 28.

“Private Lives” will have two afternoon shows at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 13 and Sunday, April 14. The evening performances are at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 13; Saturday, April 20; Sunday, April 21; Friday, April 26; Sunday, April 28; and Wednesday, May 1.

Tickets for the general public are $14 to $17; faculty, staff, seniors are $12 to $15; and $7 to $10 for students. For more information, call (302) 831-2204.

March 25, 2002