UGA Theatre Brings “Rent” to the 2021 Spotlight on the Arts Festival
Photo: Clay Chastain
Athens, GA—UGA Theatre is proud to present “Rent”, with book, music, and lyrics by Jonathan Larson, directed by Brandon LaReau. Performances will be held in the Fine Arts Theatre November 4-5 and 10-13 at 8 p.m. and November 14 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $16, $12 for students, and can be purchased at ugatheatre.com, by phone at 706-542-4400, or in person at the Performing Arts Center. A part of the University of Georgia’s Spotlight on the Arts Festival.
Jonathan Larson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning musical comes to the fine arts stage for the first time ever. “Rent” follows a group of poor artists during an unforgettable year as they struggle with their careers, relationships, and the pervading reality of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and its impact on their community. Throughout its history, the defiantly diverse “Rent” has depicted the perseverance of the artistic spirit against seemingly insurmountable challenges – representing both a specific moment in time as well as a universal message of love that remains as relevant as ever.
Temwa Tshibangu as “Collins” | Photo: Clay Chastain
“With this year being the 25th anniversary of ‘Rent,’ the timing is perfect for approaching the play for new audiences,” said director Brandon LaReau, a third-year PhD student in the department of theatre and film studies. “Having the freedom to play and explore has given us opportunities for incorporating media in a way that it's never been used in ‘Rent’ before. And that gives me the opportunity to try new things onstage that make this production thrilling and exciting for both hardcore ‘RENTheads’ and new fans alike.”
Caroline Caden, a fourth-year theatre major, plays the infamous Maureen, a queer performance artist who she finds refreshingly relatable to her own life experience. “It's really nice to be able to play a character that shares multiple identities with you,” said Caden. “Being able to channel my queerness on stage is an opportunity unlike any other.”
Head of performance Professor George Contini, who is currently teaching a course in the history of musical theatre in America, notes that “there is a direct creative line from the rebellious ritual of ‘Hair’ in the 60’s, the empowered celebration of sexuality and gender of ‘Rent’ in the 90’s, and the exploration of race and power in ‘Hamilton’ in the early 21st century. All three of these great musicals represented times when alternative voices and stories were displayed as being vital to the American narrative.”