KINGSTON, R.I. -- February 6, 2002 -- Eric Bogosian’s searing examination of fear and loathing among adults in American life is presented in the University of Rhode Island’s upcoming performance of "subUrbia." The production portrays a scathing look at disaffected contemporary youth venting their frustrations, feelings of dislocation and purposelessness on each other and the world.

Directed by Tony Estrella, "subUrbia" will be performed in the J Studio of URI’s Fine Arts Center from Feb. 21-23 and Feb. 27-March 2 at 8 p.m. with a signed matinee on Feb. 24 at 5 p.m. Tickets are $12 for general admission and $10 for students, seniors and children. To reserve tickets, call the URI Theatre Box Office at 874-5843. Please be advised that the play contains adult subject matter, including partial nudity and profanity.

Bogosian has made a career of skewering the safe and comfortable perceptions of the world around us. In "subUrbia" he turns his unwavering eye on the youth of white America, because they are hopeless, intelligent, and scared. The suburbs are supposed to be a safe haven, gentrified and fortified against the harsh realities of urban life. Instead Bogosian portrays them as asylums of banality where contentment equals stagnation and complacency turns quickly into rage.

William Wieters of Wakefield, a scenic artist who created designs for many television and feature films such as American Buffalo, Before and After and Me, Myself, and Irene, will be the scenic designer for this production.

Costume design for the University’s production is by Amanda Downing (senior Theatre major), sound design is by David Roy of Middletown (senior Theatre and Music major), and lighting design is by Seth Woodmansee of Narragansett (senior Theatre major).

Cast members for the university’s performance of "subUrbia" are:

Name Character Class Hometown
Seth Allen, Jeff, ‘02, Pleasant Valley, CT
Pamela K. Calci, Bee-Bee, ‘02, West Warwick, RI
Betsy Eyring, Erica, ‘02, Westfield, NJ
Sarah Feeley, Sooze, ‘02, North Kingstown, RI
Sean McConaghy, Time, ‘05, Rehoboth, MA
Marc Pelina, Norman, ‘03, Staten Island, NY
Tom Reedy, Buff, ‘03, Cumberland, RI
Seth M. Remington, Pony, ‘03, West Kingston, RI
Ratkanhnha Siv, Pakeeza, ‘03, Providence, RI

For an electronic image call Nancy Gillespie, 874-2116.

For Information: Bonnie Bosworth, 874-5922, Jhodi Redlich, 874-2116