TAMIU Student Theatre Group Performs ‘Ha!’ May 4-5

Get three times the amount of laughs for the price of one when Texas A&M International University’s theatre production class presents “Ha!” a comedy by Rich Orloff Friday, May 4 and Saturday, May 5 at 8 p.m. in the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Theatre.

General admission is $5 and free for students with a current student ID.

“Ha!” is a trio of Orloff’s most popular and critically acclaimed plays—“Oedi,” a takeoff of “Oedipus Rex” while emphasizing the motherly side of Oedipus’ wife; “The News From St. Petersburg,” a Chekhovian spoof about the effects of a political rumor set in 1905 Russia; and “The Whole Shebang,” which posits the entire universe is really a science project on another dimension.

The plays include adult themes and are unsuitable for children under 13 years.

The performance is the first by TAMIU's Department of Fine and Performing Arts theatre production class and is directed by Dr. Gilberto Martínez Jr., instructor, communication and theatre, and Cynthia Marie Ramos, a student who is part of the new TAMIU minor in theatre arts.

Making their acting debut in the theatre production class are students: Victoria Rose Young, José A. De La Rosa, Mario Joseph Dávila, Gabriela Rubi Sánchez, Judith Jacqueline Rayo, Wendy San Miguel, Rene Chapa Castillo, Juan J. Morales, José Gonzaléz, Christopher García, Andree Quintanilla, and Marielena Hernández.

Orloff, one of the most popular “unknown” (according to his website richorloff.com/bio) playwrights in the country, has received numerous awards. His plays have received more than 700 productions worldwide. He has written for newspapers, magazines, radio, television, industrial films, educational videos, advertising and charity galas.

“Ha!” inaugurates the first theatrical production put on by TAMIU students studying and/or minoring in the new Theatre Arts program. Future productions will be produced in the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters.

For a calendar of upcoming arts events with reminder capabilities, visit http://www.tamiu.edu/coas/fpa/coe.shtml

For more information, contact the Department of Fine and Performing Arts at 956-326-ARTS (2787) or email gilberto.martinez@tamiu.edu

University office hours are Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Additional information is also available online @txamiu on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Google+.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at prmis@tamiu.edu