University Theatre caters to the little ones

University Theatre presents a unique experience for young theater-goers ages 4 and up.

Newly translated “Falling Girls,” by renowned Dutch playwright Moinek Merkx, explores the depth of relationships and the challenge of making new friends. “Falling Girls” will open on Saturday, March 28, at the Hemsley Theatre in Vilas Communication Hall.

“Falling Girls” is the story of three young girls who have an adventure in the desert. The girls draw, play and explore the world around them, and ultimately learn how to love and cherish their friends. The University Theatre production will be intimately staged in a small black-box theater with only 75 audience members per performance. This staging will allow for more interactive participation between the cast and audience.

Holland-based Merkx has done it all, as a director, playwright and teacher. Her professional career began at Onafhakelijk Toneel in Rotterdam, where she worked as a dramaturge and assistant director. In 1986, she began to work freelance throughout Holland, and in 1994 she began creating shows for children with Theater Artemis. Max, a well-known children’s theater in Holland, recently appointed her artistic director.

“Falling Girls” is translated and directed by Manon van de Water, head of UW–Madison’s Theatre for Young Audiences program. Her daughter, Karljin Purdy, age 13, assisted with the translation. A professor of theater research, van de Water is widely published in national and international journals on theatre for young audiences. She is the editor of Youth Theatre Journal and is the author of “Moscow Theatres for Young People: A Cultural History of Ideological Coercion and Artistic Innovation.”

“Falling Girls” will be presented to area preschool and elementary school children during six closed performances. There will be four days of public performances, on Saturdays, March 28, April 4 and April 11, and on Sunday, March 29. All public performances are at 2 p.m. Individual tickets for all productions are $14 general public or $12 for children under 17 and UW-Madison students. Discounts are available for senior citizens, and Friends of University Theatre.

Purchase tickets by phone at 265-2787, in person at the Vilas Hall box office, the Wisconsin Union Theater Box Office, or order online, buy tickets and view the calendar at Wisconsin Union Theater.