Two weekends only: 'One Night Stand' at Earle Ernst Lab Theatre

"One Night Stand" opens April 4 at 10 p.m. at Kennedy Theatre

The University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa’s Department of Theatre and Dance continues its Late Night Theatre series with the world premiere of “One Night Stand.” Performances will be held in the Earle Ernst Lab Theatre within the University’s Kennedy Theatre, and will take place on April 3, 4, 10 and 11 at 10 p.m. Ticket prices are $10 for general admission; $8 for UH faculty and staff, seniors, military and non-UHM students; and $5 for students with a valid Spring 2015 UHM photo ID.  Due to adult language, mature content and potential nudity, this show is recommended for ages 18 and up.

“One Night Stand” is a devised theater piece that was collaboratively developed by all of the artists involved.  Performers began the process with no script — in fact, there's little more than a desire to work together.  Slowly, through exercises and improvisation, the company developed both the script and the visual elements that gave shape to the work. 

The students’ interest in this way of working grew out of a departmental course, “Contemporary Performance Practices,” taught by Professor Markus Wessendorf.  As project coordinator Justin Fragiao explained, “We just became so excited by that way of working; we wanted to keep going even after the semester had ended.” This particular play expands the collaborative process even further: In addition to a company-created text, the play also features collaboration with visual and musical artists.  

“One Night Stand” takes place in the art gallery of Mr. and Mrs. Van der Hooven, a wealthy couple celebrating a marital milestone even as they struggle to maintain a façade of marital fidelity.  The visual art on display in the “gallery” was all created specifically for the performance by local visual artists, and will be available for purchase; proceeds will go directly to the artists.  A special musical guest will also perform a set created exclusively for the evening.

The unique nature of the piece will also allow for audience participation throughout the evening.  Audience members are encouraged to dress up as if to attend a gallery show — and be ready to mingle with the Van der Hoovens and their guests.  The ensemble cast includes Timothy Callais and Kyle Scholl, who were both in the recent Earle Ernst Lab Theatre Prime Time show, “The Taming of the Shrew.”  As with Fragiao, cast members Leiney Rigg, Geovante Joseph and Soonsup Hong came to the show from the devised theater course. All are featured as part of the large ensemble cast.

The distinctive nature of “One Night Stand” is in keeping with the mission of Late Night Theatre, which is an entirely student-run organization within UHM’s Theatre and Dance Department.  The group strives to present work that would not normally be seen in the UHM and Honolulu theater communities — including world premieres such as “One Night Stand.”

Tickets for “One Night Stand” will go on sale at the box office one hour before show time each performance night.  For more information, please visit manoa.hawaii.edu/liveonstage or call the theater at (808) 956-7655. For disability access, please call the theater.

EVENT:  “One Night Stand”

PRESENTED BY:  UHM Department of Theatre and Dance / Late Night Theatre

WHEN: April 3, 4, 10 and 11 at 10 p.m.

WHERE: UHM’s Earle Ernst Lab Theatre, 1770 East-West Road, Honolulu, HI, 96822

TICKET PRICES: $10 general admission
$8 seniors / military / UH faculty and staff / student
$5 students with valid Spring 2015 UHM photo ID

PURCHASE INFO: Tickets will be at the Kennedy Theatre box office one hour before showtime.

NOTE: Due to adult language, mature content and potential nudity, this show is recommended for ages 18 and up.