WSU Hosts Louis Nowra, Renowned Playwright, Author, Screenwriter

PULLMAN, Wash. – Louis Nowra, one of Australia’s most acclaimed writers, will visit the Washington State University Pullman campus during the production of his play, “The Golden Age,”* the WSU Theatre Program’s 2007 diversity play.

Proclaimed as one of Nowra’s greatest accomplishments and based on real-life events, “The Golden Age” centers on what happened when two Australian hikers discovered an isolated community of outcasts in the wilds of Tasmania and decide to bring them back to “civilization.”

“’The Golden Age’ is a play of eloquence and epic scale,” said Terry Converse, professor and director of “The Golden Age.” “This production is a blend of historical fact, poetic language(s), Greek mythology and Australian folklore. It also provides excellent opportunities for exploring issues of diversity, colonialism, multiculturalism and discrimination.”

Nowra will attend the Thursday, Feb. 15, performance and present a pre-performance lecture from 6:30–7:15 p.m. The event is hosted by WSU’s Visual, Performing and Literary Arts Committee (VPLAC).

“VPLAC is honored to once again be a part of WSU’s diversity production,” said Gail Siegel, program coordinator of arts and cultural programs for Campus Involvement and coordinator of VPLAC. “We look for cosponsorships which are interdisciplinary in nature and which provide a chance for students to interact with artists of the highest caliber. Once again, the theatre department’s diversity play fits that bill.”

Nowra has numerous plays to his credit including “Così,” “Byzantine Flowers,” “Summer of the Aliens” and “Radiance.” His screenwriting credits include “K-19: The Widowmaker,” “Map of the Human Heart,” “The Matchmaker,” “Così” and “Heaven’s Burning” among others. He has also penned numerous novels.

In recognition of Nowra’s visit and to maximize the learning potential for students, the Student Entertainment Board is sponsoring a screening of Nowra’s film “Cosi” on Friday, Feb. 16, from 2–5 p.m. in Todd Hall, room 216. Time will be set aside for questions and answers following the film.

“The Golden Age” will run Feb. 8–10 and 15–17 at 8 p.m. in Jones Theatre, Daggy Hall. Tickets are $10 for adults, $7.50 for seniors and $5 for WSU students with ID. The Daggy Hall box office is open for ticket sales from 2–5 p.m. the week of the performance and an hour before curtain. Reservations may be made by calling the ticket office at (509) 335-7236 or e-mailing reservations@wsu.edu.

Nowra’s visit and the production are made possible by a partnership with VPLAC and with generous support from the division of Student Affairs, the College of Liberal Arts, the Student Entertainment Board and Campus Involvement.

*This production contains adult content and is rated R, for mature audiences.