SUNY Potsdam Department of Theatre and Dance Presents 'The Servant of Two Masters' Next Week

POTSDAM, NY (10/21/2016)(readMedia)-- The SUNY Potsdam Department of Theatre and Dance is proud to present its fall mainstage production, "The Servant of Two Masters (Louise, Trans.)." Written in 1746, Carlo Goldoni's classic play is one of the great commedia dell'arte works of the late Italian Renaissance.

Directed by Dr. James Pecora, the production will be presented in the Proscenium Theater in the Performing Arts Center. The play will be offered at 7:30 p.m. from Tuesday, Oct. 25 to Thursday, Oct. 27, with an additional Saturday night performance on Oct. 29. There will be a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, Oct. 30.

"The Servant of Two Masters" is based on stock and centuries-old comic characters, including Truffaldino, the clever and quirky servant; Smeraldina, his female counterpart; the greedy merchant Pantalone, and the two lovers, Beatrice and Florindo, who are also unknowingly the two masters of Truffaldino.

The story and form are classic: weddings, funerals, mistaken identity, old-fashioned gender-bending, masks and clever word play -- all based on the centuries-old traditions of commedia dell'arte. Presented as a contemporary translation, this production promises to be an evening of laughter and delight for audiences of all ages.

The performers, all students of the theatre program at SUNY Potsdam, are supported by the work of faculty members, including scenic and costume designer Todd Canedy and lighting designer Tom Grabowski. Sound designs are by student Grey Conderman '19.

Tickets are $10 for general admission, and $5 for SUNY Potsdam faculty, staff and students, as well as senior citizens. To purchase tickets, contact the Community Performance Series Box Office at (315) 267-2277 or www.cpspotsdam.org, or visit the box office, located in the PAC lobby.

The Proscenium Theater is wheelchair accessible. There will be no sign language interpreter for these performances.

From directing, choreographing, acting and dancing, to designing and technical work, theatre and dance are highly collaborative art forms at SUNY Potsdam. Students and professionals engage in creative problem solving, requiring the setting and meeting of long-term goals, and the analysis and understanding of movement and dramatic literature. For more information about SUNY Potsdam's Department of Theatre and Dance, visit www.potsdam.edu/theatre.

Founded in 1816, The State University of New York at Potsdam is one of only three arts campuses in the entire SUNY system. SUNY Potsdam's arts curriculum offers the full palette: music, theatre, dance, fine arts and creative writing. No matter the discipline, people from all backgrounds can find their creative compass at Potsdam, with myriad arts immersion experiences available for both campus and community.

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