3-26-08

Media Release

Russian Language Comedy to be Performed

CORVALLIS, Ore. – The 12th annual Russian language production by Oregon State University’s Russian Troupe will be performed on April 4 and 5 in the Lab Theater at Withycombe Hall on campus.

The comedy, “Out of Order,” was written by British playwright Ray Cooney. Translated into Russian by playwright Mikhail Mishin, the play has enjoyed huge success in Moscow under the title “m 13.” It premiered in 2001 at the Moscow Art Theatre where government officials, including Vladimir Putin, attended performances.

The plot concerns a conservative member of parliament, Richard Willey, who plans an illicit affair in a London hotel with one of the secretaries (Jane) of the leader of the opposition group. The evening becomes complicated when he and Jane find a dead body in the hotel room. In order to avoid scandal that would bring disgrace on the government and threaten his marriage, Willey sets about trying to dispose of the body.

The cast consists of OSU faculty, staff, and students – all native speakers of Russian – and the production is directed by Vreneli Farber, a professor of Russian at OSU.

There will be a preview performance on Friday, April 4, at 7:30 p.m. and a matinee on Saturday, April 5, at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are available at the door for $6 or $4 for seniors and students. The show is not recommended for young children.

For reservations, contact Svetlana Erofeeva at 737-3964 or serofeev@coas.oregonstate.edu or Vreneli Farber at 737-3957 or vfarber@oregonstate.edu.