Teens Confront Spring Awakening in Latest Winthrop Theatre Production

ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA — The Winthrop University Department of Theatre and Dance brings the classic and controversial play "Spring Awakening" to life this week Wednesday, Oct. 5 through Saturday, Oct. 8 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 9 at 2 p.m. in Johnson Theatre at Winthrop University.

The original play that inspired the musical, Frank Wedekind's "Spring Awakening," explicitly chronicles the coming of age of four teenagers and their friends. This black comedy takes a raw and poignant look at the difficulties young people face and the tragic circumstances that can arise: alienation, suicide and teen pregnancy. Nothing is off limits in this interrogation of the experience of growing up and the tragedies of childhood.

Kristi Swiger (Rock Hill), who plays Wendla Bergmann, believes that the play will resonate with audiences despite being written over 110 years ago. "The show deals with homosexuality, suicide, rape and abuse. It's important to have conversations about these topics because they are so prevalent in our world today," Swiger said. "All of these topics are important and a very real reality for many people. If things are kept in the dark they cannot be changed or fixed; ˜Spring Awakening' brings these subjects to light so a discussion can be started."

Senior William Keen (Rock Hill) plays Moritz, and says he enjoys playing the part because of the wide emotional spectrum of the character. "My favorite part about playing Moritz is the comedic relief that he brings to the show," Keen said. "I feel like it gives the show a breath of fresh air among all the serious topics being discussed. But the most difficult part is being vulnerable to the extreme that Moritz allows himself to be. Moritz as a character suffers from anxiety and depression, so playing that in a truly authentic way is a difficulty as well."

This play featured mature language and content. Tickets are available online or at the door for $8 with Winthrop ID or $15 for the general public.

For more information, contact Whitney Hough, director of communications and community engagement for the College of Visual and Performing Arts, at 803/323-2399 or houghw@winthrop.edu, or visit the website at www.winthrop.edu/arts.