May 13, 1997 University Theatre Contact Joseph Gilg (541) 346-4190 or John R. Crosiar 346-3135 Note to Editors: Photo call is at 6 p.m. Monday, May, 19, in the Arena Theatre at Villard Hall, 1109 Old Campus Lane. EUGENE--The final performances of University Theatre's 1996-97 Second Season get underway on May 28 with a production of "Vinegar Tom" in the Arena Theatre of Villard Hall, 1109 Old Campus Lane at the University of Oregon. "Vinegar Tom," a play by Caryl Churchill, features several songs and dances within the narrative. The play continues on May 29-31 and June 5-7. All performances begin at 8 p.m.; there is no late seating. Tickets are $6 for the general public; $5 for senior citizens, UO faculty and staff, and non-UO students; and $3 for UO students. Beginning at 7:30 p.m., each performance will feature pre-show music by Northwest singer-songwriter Connie Cohen. Her unique blend of talent, wit and insight, and her ability to communicate with passion and humor, will add a deeper dimension to each evening's exploration about women. Churchill, the playwright, once described "Vinegar Tom" as "a play about witches with no witches in it." She views witchcraft as part of the power structure of a rural society and challenges audience members to question the way they view history. "Vinegar Tom" tells the story of two farm women who are named witches by a man whom they have spurned sexually. The play shows that the root of many of society's problems are tied to the connection between fear of female sexuality and witch-hysteria. Although it is set in the 16th century in rural England, "Vinegar Tom" has a contemporary feel and a message that is relevant to modern times. The postmodern design concept allows the characters to be placed in diverse historical periods, yet interact in the moment. Robin Aronson, a theater arts doctoral degree candidate of Eugene, is directing the University Theatre Second Season production. "The topic of the witch-hunt is endlessly fascinating," she says. "The play also deals with issues of abortion, teen pregnancy, the dominant allopathic medical system, religion and scapegoating. Its themes of power and gender and class oppression will appeal to everyone." The design staff of "Vinegar Tom" will feature scenery and lighting by Greg Hoffart, a master of fine arts degree candidate of Portland. Rebecca Utz, a master's degree student in theater arts of Eugene, is designing the costumes, and Liz Sunde, a junior theater arts major of Boring, is sound designer. Glenn Calkins, a sophomore mathematics major of Eugene, is technical director, and Cameo Morningstar, a junior theater arts major of Eugene, is the stage manager. Michael Phillips, a Fall 1996 graduate with a doctoral degree in theater arts of Eugene, serves as the music director. The cast of "Vinegar Tom" consists of Emma Reznic, a sophomore theater arts major of Beaverton; Bridie Harrington, a sophomore English major of Lake Oswego; Charlie Kimball, a sophomore theater arts major, and Jessica Grindell, a sophomore theater arts major, both of Portland; Sarah Dyrhaug, a sophomore theater arts major of Tempe, Ariz.; Correen Nichols, a freshman undeclared major of Chico, Calif.; Simon Rentner, a freshman biology major of Oakland, Calif.; Rhaetia Hanscum, a freshman theater arts major of Jackson, Wyo.; and Wende Welch, a doctoral degree student in theater arts of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. For more information, call the University Theatre box office at (541) 346-4191. Tickets also are available at the Erb Memorial Union Ticket Office, 346-4363. To listen 24 hours a day to a taped message about current University Theatre productions and activities, call GuardLine from a Touch-Tone phone at 485-2000, ext. 2287. -30- #P-2265/A&E