Anton Chekhov’s “Three Sisters” to be performed at New Paltz

The State University of New York at New Paltz’s Department of Theatre Arts kicks off its 2011-2012 Mainstage Season with Anton Chekov’s humorous play, "Three Sisters." "Three Sisters" will be performed Oct. 13 – 23 at 8 p.m. in Parker Theatre located on the college campus. The play is directed by Frank Trezza, associate professor in the Department of Theatre Arts at the State University of New York at New Paltz.

Set in the late nineteenth century, "Three Sisters" is Chekhov’s comic yet poignant look at the decay of the privileged class in Russia and a family’s search for meaning at the dawn of the modern age. The Prozorov sisters and their brother Andre are sensitive and educated young people longing to find their place in a confusing and rapidly changing world. This funny and powerful play is considered a Russian classic and one of the great masterpieces of modern drama.

"The landscape of a Chekhov play is filled with rich characters and fascinating relationships," Trezza said. "In Chekhov’s innovative plays, plot is put on the back burner. Instead, he presents us with incredibly detailed portraits of characters – their innermost thoughts and feelings. One critic calls the movement of a Chekhov an ’emotional symphony’ and I think that is a useful insight."

Trezza holds a doctorate in theatre studies from Florida State University, a Master of Fine Arts in directing from CUNY Brooklyn College, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from State University of New York at Purchase. He trained professionally with the legendary Uta Hagen and at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts.

Trezza’s professional theatre credentials as an actor and director include work in film, television and theater in New York City and nationally. Recent professional work as an actor includes "Polar Bear Swim" at Half Moon Theatre and "Sex in Mommyville" at Manhattan Repertory Theater. Trezza directed "Twelfth Night," "Company," "Guys and Dolls," and "King Lear" at New Paltz.

A pre-show panel about Chekhov’s life and work will be held Friday, Oct. 14, at 6:30 p.m. in Parker Theatre. Panelists will include Andre Lancaster and Frank Trezza from the Department of Theatre Arts; Sarah Wyman from the Department of English; and Susan Lewis from the Department of History. A post-show discussion with members of the cast and creative team will immediately follow the performance on Saturday, Oct. 22.

Performance dates are Oct. 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22 at 8 p.m. Matinees will be held on Oct. 16 and 23 at 2 p.m. To purchase tickets visit www.newpaltz.edu/theatre, by phone (845-257-3880) or visit the Box Office located in Parker Theatre beginning Oct. 3. Box Office hours are Monday – Friday, 11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Ticket prices are $18 reserved general, $16 reserved seniors, SUNY faculty and staff, $14 non-SUNY New Paltz students, $9 SUNY New Paltz students. Tickets are also available at the theatre one hour prior to the performance.