Organized By Adam Meirink
2505 Carpenter Ave- Harmon Fine Arts Center,Des Moines (41.601688, -93.651108)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: DES MOINES, IOWA (March 27, 2013) Drake University Department of Theatre Arts presents “Childe Byron” by Romulus Linney beginning Thursday, April 4, 2012 in the Performing Arts Hall of the Harmon Fine Arts Center. Performances start at 7:30 p.m. on April 4, 5, and 6 and 2 p.m. Sunday, April 7. The show is directed by Dr. Michael Rothmayer, Associate Professor of Theatre Arts. “Childe Byron” begins in the bedroom of Augusta Ada, Countess of Lovelace as she begins to write her will. Ada in a hallucinogenic state due to the consumption of laudanum to dull the pain she suffers from stomach cancer, conjures up the presence of her father, Lord Byron and takes us on a journey to uncover the truth behind the myths associated with the notorious mad poet. “I was drawn to the play because of its complexity and the challenge it offered. The play deals with some very broad subjects: history, science, literature, but it does so in a very approachable way. Despite the fact that it's set in 1852, the play feels very modern,” director, Dr. Michael Rothmayer said, “at its heart, it's a story about fathers and daughters, but the father happens to be the poet Lord Byron and the daughter, Ada Lovelace, often credited as being the world's first computer programmer.” “Childe Byron” received its American premiere by the Repertory Company of the Virginia Museum Theatre, directed by Keith Fowler. It went on to be performed at the Actors Theatre of Louisville before its Off-Broadway premiere in New York by the Circle Repertory Company. This production contains mature themes including language, sexual content, and violence. “Don't let the setting and time period fool you. This isn't a typical "period piece". Lord Byron led as scandalous and as controversial a life as any celebrity today. The play is intended for mature audiences with good reason,” Rothmayer said. Admission is $6 for adults, $4 for students, senior citizens and those with a Drake ID. Tickets are available at the Fine Arts Center Box Office. Reservations, which are suggested, may be made in person or by calling 515-271-3841.