UGA Theatre opens its season with “Constellations,” written by Nick Payne.
Directed by Katie Chambers, a University of Georgia alumna and associate artistic director of Aurora Theatre, “Constellations” explores love, choice and the infinite possibilities contained within a single moment.
Performances will be held in the Cellar Theatre in the Fine Arts Building on Sept. 24-25, 29 and Oct. 2 at 7:30 p.m. and Sept. 27 and Oct. 4 at 2 p.m. It is suggested for mature audiences. Tickets are $20, or $7 for UGA students, and can be purchased online at ugatheatre.com/constellations, by phone at 706-542-4400 or in-person at the Performing Arts Center or Tate Student Center box offices.
The play follows Marianne, a physicist, and Roland, a beekeeper, after they meet at a party. From that simple encounter, Payne explores the many ways their relationship might unfold, moving between different possibilities to consider love, loss, time and the significance of the choices we make.
UGA Theatre’s production extends that idea of possibility through its casting. Different actors and pairings will inhabit the central characters across performances, creating distinct configurations of the same relationship. While the text remains the same, each pairing offers a new perspective on attraction, vulnerability, humor, grief and connection.
The production also marks a collaboration between UGA Theatre and Aurora Theatre that provides students an opportunity to work alongside professional theatre artists and bring their work to audiences beyond campus. Following its Athens run, “Constellations” will continue at Aurora Theatre in Lawrenceville from Oct. 9-11.
“We are excited to open our season with ‘Constellations’ and to welcome Katie Chambers back to UGA Theatre,” said Julie Ray, head of the theatre and film department. “This collaboration creates meaningful opportunities for our students to work with a professional theatre company and learn from artists working in the field. It is especially rewarding to build that connection with one of our own alumni.”