A one-of-a-kind production to open the 2017-18 theatre season: Aunt Raini

PLU opens their 2017-18 season with the West Coast premiere of Aunt Raini. Aunt Raini is a production loosely based on the life of Leni Riefenstahl, a documentarian of Adolf Hitler’s political rallies. The play is a combination of reality and artistic construct: everything about Leni is true, but the characters of Katherine and Joel are fictitious. Katherine, a successful gallery owner, confronts the difficult past of her great-aunt and must decide whether great art stemming from hate should be lauded or destroyed.

Aunt Raini is presented October 20, 21, 26 (student discount performance), 27 and 28 at 7:30pm and October 29 at 2pm in Eastvold Auditorium of the Karen Hille Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are available online at Eventbrite. $10 – General admission; $5 – 60+, military, alumni and students; free – 18 and younger.

The production is a one-of-a-kind show to hit the theatre this year. The production is not only written and directed by PLU faculty member, Tom Smith, it will also have a double-cast, with two actors playing the same role on different nights. “Aunt Raini was double-cast to offer more roles to students and to provide audiences a chance to see two different casts interpret the work differently.”

In addition to two weekends of performances, there will be a talkback after each Saturday performance of Aunt Raini with the cast and director/playwright.

Aunt Raini is intended for mature audiences due to mild adult content and strong language.

The School of Arts and Communication at Pacific Lutheran University houses the Departments of Art & Design, Communication & Theatre, and Music and presents more than 250 events each season. Pacific Lutheran University offers approximately 3,200 students a unique blend of academically rigorous liberal arts and professional programs.