West Virginia University Theatre and Dance Goes International

The Division of Theatre and Dance is proud to announce the continuation of its international exchange program with the E. T. A. Hoffmann Theatre of Bamberg, Germany. Our exchange with the members of this company has been ongoing for more than five years and each year we do more, see more, and learn more.

In the year 2003–2004 we are even trying to offer a German Language class in the Creative Arts Center to help reinforce the continued exchange with our friends from Bamberg.

E. T. A. Hoffmann Theatre of Bamberg

Our Exchange Up to Now
The E. T. A. Hoffmann Theatre company toured Just Don’t Panic, a new musical written by Artistic Director Rainer Lewandowski, to the College of Creative Arts in 1999. The forty company members joined us for a week of performances, guest teaching, and fun.

In 2000, forty members of the Division of Theatre and Dance—students and faculty—took a production of Macbeth to Bamberg. The residency lasted two weeks, and performances ran one weekend.

In the following years, the exchange has combined casts and production teams, enabling longer residencies and a deeper understanding of process. Robinson & Crusoe performed with faculty from the Division of Theatre and Dance in Bamberg and Morgantown; the Division brought The Compleat Works of Wllm Shkspr (Abridged) to Bamberg (featuring an E. T. A. Hoffmann performer), and a new musical revue, This Is the Life, played Bamberg in 2003 on both sides of the Atlantic.

As the exchange deepened, the mayor of Bamberg visited Morgantown and we explored the possibility of becoming “sister cities.

In addition to our program in Germany, we have also participated in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland. Students and faculty performed a production of Four Dogs and a Bone in 2001.

Other opportunities are available throughout the College to study in London, China, Italy, and various locales in Africa. Options really do exist for the student willing to pursue international studies!

2003 Exchange: This Is the Life and Harold and Maude
Associate Chair and Professor of Acting Theresa Davis traveled to Bamberg, Germany, with sophomore acting major, Trevor Nicholas, to spend seven weeks creating the world premiere of a new musical. Based on musical styles of American 1960s culture, This Is the Life was part of the grand opening of the newly renovated E.T.A. Hoffman Theater in October 2003.

Professors William Winsor and Margaret McKowen designed the scenery and costumes for the German premiere of Harold and Maude. Graduate design student Jessica Greene also spent four weeks in Bamberg “getting the show on its feet” in her capacity as assistant designer.

Costa Rica! You’re next on our world tour!
Colin McKeen, graduate lighting designer, attended the Institute for Digital Performing Arts (IDPA) in Costa Rica. We hope this is the beginning of a great artistic relationship with our neighbors in Costa Rica and we look forward to sending more students and faculty there to creatively explore moving light in this diverse cultural setting.