‘Ulmus Ohioana: A Denison Archives Project’

The Department of Theatre presents "Ulmus Ohioana: A Denison Archives Project," by Jennifer Schlueter and Mark Evans Bryan '96.

Notice: this information is for a past event.
Ticket Info:
Free to Denison students, faculty and staff. General admission $8, Senior Citizen $5, Non-Denison students $4. Tickets may be reserved by calling the box office at 740-587-6527.
Sponsor(s):
Theatre
Two ensemble members, performing as students Clifford Richard and Homer Hollis, excitedly give a presentation for the Chemical Society in 1911

“Ulmus Ohioana” 

  • Written by Jennifer Schlueter & Mark Evans Bryan 
  • Research by Sarah Wilson ‘20, Sharon Kane ‘18, Madeline Bellman ‘18, Megan Lovely ‘19, & Cole Stern ‘17 
  • Jennifer Schlueter, Director & Vail Artist-in-Residence 
  • Asst. Prof. Eleni Papaleonardos, Movement Director & Vail Artist-in-Residence 
  • Brad Steinmetz, Scenic Designer & Vail Artist-in-Residence 
  • Cassandra Lentz, Assistant Scenic Designer & Vail Artist-in-Residence 
  • Joyce Merrilees, Costume Designer 
  • Assoc. Prof. Peter Pauzé, Lighting Designer 
  • Marc Weaver ‘17, Assistant Director 
  • Casey Parker ‘18, Production Stage Manager

The Department of Theatre presents “Ulmus Ohioana: A Denison Archives Project,” an original work by Jennifer Schlueter, Vail artist-in-residence, and Mark Evans Bryan ’96, assistant professor of theatre. Schlueter and Bryan created the play from Denison’s archives, including the wartime letters of William J. Currin, who graduated in 1913, enlisted in the Canadian Volunteer Army in 1914, and was the first Denison student to die in World War I. Most of his war years were spent at the front in Belgium, and his letters tell a progressively poignant tale, as optimism fades over the years

Led by Schlueter, whose work with the for/word company (www.for-word-company.net) focuses on creating vibrant, physical work out of material from the historical record, “Ulmus Ohioana” is set from 1911 to 1921 to the present, and located in Denison classrooms, Belgian battlefields and back in Granville.

Professor Orcot presents a botany lecture to several rows of students. One of the students dozes off in his chair.
Lilly Bell Sefton thinks to herself as she sits in on Professor Orcott’s lecture.
Two ensemble members, performing as students Clifford Richard and Homer Hollis, excitedly give a presentation for the Chemical Society in 1911
Lilly Bell Sefton stands in front of a projection of a 1911 Adytum photograph of the Denison Chemical Society, the real Sefton in the middle. The chalkboard behind the projection reads “The Chemical Society” in cursive.
Lilly Bell Sefton and William “Hike” Curren excitedly shake hands after meeting. The chalkboard behind them reads “The Chemical Society” in cursive.
Two ensemble members stand, facing different directions and look off. Behind them is a projection of a faculty page from the 1913 Adytum, showing Professor Orcott and Lilly Bell Sefton on the same page.
William “Hike” Curren leans towards Lilly Bell Sefton, who folds her arms and smiles back at him.
William “Hike” Curren sits and looks off into the distance. He is wearing his Canadian WWI military uniform.
Three ensemble members solemnly pose, as if pointing rifles in different directions. Behind them are two projected maps of Europe.
The ensemble, in a cascading line from standing to kneeling, look towards “Hike” Curren in his WWI uniform. Lilly Bell Sefton writes notes on a chalkboard behind them.
To learn more, visit: Artist/Speaker Website

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