YSU brings SSLqMiss JulieSSRq to stage

the vindicator

YOUNGSTOWN — Youngstown State University Theater’s final production of the season will be August Strindberg’s tragic drama “Miss Julie.” The play opens March 26 and runs for two weekends in Spotlight Arena Theater.

“Miss Julie” depicts a battle of the sexes — and classes — that ensues when a wealthy businessman’s daughter falls for her father’s bitter servant.

“Miss Julie,” written in 1888 by August Strindberg. is widely regarded as the most important drama to come out of the literary movement known as naturalism. The movement was based largely on the theory of social Darwinism, which proposed that individuals fight for position in society much as animals fight for their survival in the wild, and that only the fittest can survive.

As a naturalistic drama, “Miss Julie” focuses on Julie and Jean’s struggle for survival in their society. Strindberg lived in a time in which gender and class roles were becoming more fluid, and the play reflects the conflicts that are inevitable in a society struggling with change.

The cast includes Dana Chauvin, Brandon Smith and Laura Young. Ensemble members include Rebecca Anderson, Aaron Kubicina, Cheney Morgan, Montaja Simmons, Randall Brammer and Kirsten Pesa.

Dennis Henneman is the director; Nancy Wolfgang is music director; and Chris Cobb is choreographer.

Costumes are by Jane Shanabarger, and scenery and lighting design are by John Murphy. Vijay Welch is property master, and Jake Rafidi is sound designer.