Miami Hurricane, September 26, 2013

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The Miami Vol. 92, Issue 9 | Sept. 26 - Sept. 30, 2013 . HURRICANE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI IN CORAL GABLES, FLA., SINCE 1929
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From performing in a circus tent and a round building used
to train Allied navigators in World War II, the Jerry Herman
Ring Theatre has evolved into a first of its kind theater-in-the-round
building, which has created art for Miami over the past
75 years.
To kick off its 75th season, the Ring Theatre is performing
“Cloud 9,” the famed drama by 20th century feminist and play-wright,
Caryl Churchill. The play opened Wednesday.
“Cloud 9” takes place in 1880 in Colonial Africa and paints
a picture of the politics and gender identification of the Victo-rian
era. The play is an ironic satire, challenging the norms of
sexuality and gender roles within the dysfunctional characters of
the main family and its servants. All of the actors switch char-acters
from the first to the second act, and many switch genders
as well.
Senior Brandon Beaver immersed himself in the challenge
of performing the complex play.
“My favorite thing about the play is how it pushes the
boundaries of what is socially and sexually acceptable,” Beaver
said. “It’s so rewarding to watch a character struggle to finally
break free of his or her social restraints and regain control of his
or her own independence.”
The idea to perform “Cloud 9” was suggested by director
Chris O’Connor, a University of Miami acting professor, after
students in his senior acting class presented scenes from the play.
O’Connor hoped that the play’s structure would expose
the students in the cast to the demands that certain playwright’s
styles can put on actors.
“The students are doing well handling the challenges the
play throws at them,” he said. “It will be extremely helpful for
them to have a play like this under their belts.”
MEET THE CROWD: Junior Zane Lynch, who plays the role of Joshua in “Cloud 9,” steps forward as he is introduced to the audience.
Lynch is part of the Jerry Herman Ring Theatre’s rendition of Caryl Churchill’s famed drama, which will be in production until Oct. 5.
CHARLOTTE CUSHING // STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
‘Cloud 9’ challenges gender roles
BY NAYNA SHAH
CONTRIBUTING EDGE WRITER
SEE CLOUD 9, PAGE 8
FAMOUS ALUMNI
GREAT NAMESAKE
BIG STAGE DREAMS
FAMOUS GUESTS
DESIGN BY CARLOS MELLA