Intellectual Discoveries and Chaotic Hearts: Stoppard’s Masterpiece “Arcadia” to Play at Ithaca College Theatre

By Susan Monagan, April 11, 2016

Stoppard’s Masterpiece “Arcadia” to Play at Ithaca College Theatre

The nature of people, events and the truth are explored with passion and wit in the Ithaca College Theatre’s production of “Arcadia,” the Olivier Award-winning drama written by acclaimed playwright Tom Stoppard. Performances will be at the Hoerner Theatre in Dillingham Center on April 26, 28, 29 and 30 at 8 p.m., as well as 2 p.m. matinees on April 30 and May 1.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at the Ithaca College box office in Dillingham Center or online at ithaca.ticketforce.com. The box office is open Monday–Thursday, noon–5 p.m.; and Friday, noon–4 p.m. Tickets can also be purchased over the phone at (607) 274-3224. Tickets range from $8 to $16.

“Arcadia” takes place in an English country house in both the early 19th century and the present day. The present-day attempt to uncover the mysteries behind intellectual discoveries made in the 1800s, asking and re-asking the question: How do we know what we know?

At the center of “Arcadia” is Thomasina Coverly, a female 19th century math prodigy. According to “The Guardian, “Thomasina's ceaseless quest for knowledge is pitched against the late 20th-century characters who, through advancements in maths, science and computer modelling, know so much more about how the world works, but are still in thrall to their own chaotic hearts.”

Director Greg Bostwick is intrigued by the interconnectedness of academics and art in the play.

“‘Arcadia’ makes the case that science and art can both lead to the truth,” said Bostwick. “Science solves mysteries, art gives them meaning in the human dimension. When it comes to uncovering or discovering the truth, intuition and inspiration sometimes count as much as calculation.”

Ithaca College’s production design is led by a student team including scenic designer Randy Wong-Westbrook ’16, costume designer Anna Blazer ’16, lighting designer Ryan McSherry ’16, sound designer Scott Halstead ’16 and technical director Rachel Fitzgerald ’16. The stage manager is Rachel Gerrity ’16 and the dramaturg is Andrew Reiter ’17.

A nationally recognized professional theatre-training program, the Department of Theatre Arts attracts students from across the globe. Throughout the school year, undergraduate students present all aspects of theatre in a professional model. Visit the theatre webpage for further information.

Follow Ithaca College Theatre on Facebook and on Twitter at @ICTheatreArts.

Dillingham Center accommodates all patrons. Individuals with special needs are asked to contact (607) 274-3224 to request accommodations as soon as possible.