May 19, 1998 University Theatre Contact Karen Scheeland (541) 346-4190 or John R. Crosiar 346-3135 EUGENE--As University Theatre nears the close of its 1997-98 season, the University of Oregon arts group will lend support to survivors of sexual assault with a special matinee performance of Shakespeare's "Two Gentlemen Of Verona" on Sunday, May 31. Box office receipts from the 2 p.m. performance, the latest in University Theatre's continuing partnering with local nonprofit organizations, will benefit Sexual Assault Support Services (SASS). "Two Gentlemen Of Verona," Shakespeare's commedia dell'arte-inspired comedy recounting the twists and turns taken by the loves and loyalties of two young men as they set out to seek their fortunes, is being performed in the Robinson Theatre at Villard Hall, 1109 Old Campus Lane on the UO campus. Additional regular performances, all beginning at 8 p.m., are set May 23 at the conclusion of the first Campus Arts Faire, as well as on May 28-30 and June 5-6. Admission for the May 31 benefit matinee are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Tickets can be purchased at the University Theatre box office in Robinson Theatre, or call (541) 346-4191. Box office hours are noon-6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and noon-8:15 p.m. on performance days. Tickets and other information about the benefit performance also are available from SASS, 484-9791. SASS provides services to survivors of past and present sexual assault, and aims to change societal conditions that allow oppression, especially sexual violence, to exist. The Robinson Theatre is fully accessible for wheelchairs and also has a hearing assistance system for patrons. Free parking is available nearby in the lot at East 11th Avenue and Kincaid Street. A taped message about University Theatre productions and activities is available 24 hours a day by calling GuardLine from a Touch-Tone phone at 485-2000, ext. 2287, or visit University Theatre's Internet website at http://darkwing.uoergon.edu/~theatre/ . -30- #P-2243/A&E