In this fast-moving and irreverent adaptation of Austen’s beloved novel “Sense and Sensibility,” the Dashwood sisters navigate love, heartbreak and the rigid expectations of Regency-era society after their family fortune is lost.
As practical Elinor and passionate Marianne pursue romance in very different ways, playwright Kate Hamill’s lively script blends sharp wit, theatrical invention and playful humor to bring Austen’s classic story to life for contemporary audiences while preserving the emotional stakes that readers have cherished for generations.
Performances will be held in the Fine Arts Theatre on April 10-11 and 15-18 at 8 p.m. and April 12 and 19 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $18 or $6 for UGA students and can be purchased online at ugatheatre.com/sensibility, by phone at 706-542-4400 or in person at the Performing Arts Center or Tate Center box offices.
Hamill has become one of the most widely produced playwrights in the United States through her inventive stage adaptations of classic literature. Known for transforming beloved novels into bold, theatrical experiences, Hamill has adapted works by authors including Austen, Louisa May Alcott and William Thackeray, infusing them with modern humor, heightened physicality and a contemporary perspective while remaining faithful to the spirit of the originals. Her adaptation of “Sense and Sensibility” was first produced in 2014 and quickly became a favorite among theatres for its playful style and fresh approach to Austen’s enduring story.
UGA Theatre’s production is directed by Rachel May, artistic director and co-founder of Atlanta’s Synchronicity Theatre. May has directed more than 25 productions for the company and has staged work across the Atlanta region at Actor’s Express, Aurora Theatre, Theatre Gael and Dad’s Garage. In addition to her leadership at Synchronicity Theatre, May regularly teaches and leads workshops for artists across Atlanta and has spent eight summers directing the Ferst Center’s Drama Camp at Georgia Tech.
Scenery for the production is designed by the award-winning Stanley Meyer, an artist and illustrator known for creating visually rich environments that enhance storytelling through meticulous detail and imaginative flair. Meyer’s work spans theatre, live entertainment and large-scale spectacle, including his design contributions to “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” on Broadway, floats in the annual Tournament of Roses Parade and numerous theme park attractions. Costumes are designed by University of Georgia faculty member Ivan Ingermann, whose design work spans theatre, opera and dance and reflects a career dedicated to dynamic visual storytelling.
“‘Sense and Sensibility’ captures everything we love about theatre at UGA,” said Julie Ray, head of the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences’ theatre and film department. “This production highlights the extraordinary collaboration between our students, faculty and accomplished professional artists, offering our students a meaningful opportunity to experience how professional theatre is created while bringing their own creativity to the stage.”