Saturday, Oct. 5, 2013 at 8 p.m.
MANASSAS, Va., Aug. 19, 2013 – Praised as a “classically trained, modernly hip troupe” by The New York Times, acclaimed British-American touring troupe Aquila Theatre brings one of the most revered novels of the 20th century, “Fahrenheit 451,” to the Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2013 at 8 p.m. Ray Bradbury’s visionary parable of a society gone awry is set in a strange world where books have been outlawed and the attainment of knowledge has been discouraged. A pre-performance discussion, free to ticket holders, begins 45 minutes prior to the performance in the Hylton Center’s Buchanan Partners Art Gallery. This tour engagement of Aquila Theatre is funded through the Mid Atlantic Tours program of the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation with support from the National Endowment for the Arts. Novant Health is the 2013-2014 Hylton Presents Season Sponsor.
Celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, “Fahrenheit 451” raises questions about the impacts of technology on literature and society – questions that are even more relevant today than when the book was first published in 1953. The novel follows fireman Guy Montag, who is responsible for uncovering and burning the books and homes of dissenters. His younger neighbor, Clarisse, causes him to recognize the emptiness of his existence and he begins to question his work and the oppressive society in which he lives. Though the dystopian novel, which was originally considered a work of science fiction, is often seen as a commentary on censorship, Bradbury himself has indicated that his intention was to draw attention to the dangers of technology and mass media. Bradbury adapted the novel for the stage, and François Truffaut directed a film version of the work in 1966.
Aquila Theatre was founded in London in 1991 by Artistic Director Peter Meineck, who sought to create fresh new interpretations of classical plays for contemporary audiences, making these works accessible to the greatest number of people. Based in New York City since 1999, the company regularly presents its season at New York University’s Skirball Center for the Performing Arts and also tours nationwide to 60-70 cities each season. The troupe has performed in numerous diverse venues across the globe, including Carnegie Hall, the Ancient Stadium at Delphi, the Los Angeles Cathedral Plaza and the White House. Committed to arts education, Aquila Theatre has organized several educational programs, including “Shakespeare’s Leaders,” an after-school program in Harlem and the Bronx; “Workshop America,” a nationwide initiative designed to expose individuals of all ages and backgrounds to classical drama; and “Theatre Breakthrough,” which provides an opportunity for school-aged children in underserved communities to experience a live performance by a professional theater. The company has received a National Endowment for the Humanities Chairman’s Special Award for “Ancient Greeks/Modern Lives,” a new national public program that places live theatrical events, reading groups and lectures in cultural institutions to engage and invigorate the public. Aquila Theatre is the professional company-in-residence at New York University’s Center for Ancient Studies.
Please Note: Aquila Theatre also performs “Twelfth Night” at George Mason University’s Center for the Arts in Fairfax on Friday, Oct. 4, 2013 at 8 p.m. and “Fahrenheit 451” on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014 at 7 p.m. For more information about these performances, please visit cfa.gmu.edu.
This work is produced by special arrangement with the
Dramatic Publishing Company of Woodstock, Ill.
This tour engagement of Aquila Theatre Company
is funded through the Mid Atlantic Tours program of the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation
with support from the National Endowment for the Arts.
Novant Health is the 2013-2014 Season Sponsor of the Hylton Presents season
at the Hylton Performing Arts Center
Tickets for AQUILA THEATRE’S production of “FAHRENHEIT 451” are $44, $36 and $28. Youth Discount: tickets are half price for youth through grade 12. Visit the box office (open Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.) or charge by phone at 888-945-2468 or visit HyltonCenter.org. The Hylton Performing Arts Center is located on George Mason University’s Prince William Campus at 10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas, Va., 20110. FREE parking is available in the lot next to the Hylton Center. For more information, please visit HyltonCenter.org. Like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/HyltonCenter and follow us on Twitter at @Hylton_PAC.
About the Hylton Performing Arts Center
Dedicated to bringing a world-class performing arts venue to the Prince William region, the Hylton Performing Arts Center was born out of a partnership among Prince William County, George Mason University, the City of Manassas, the Commonwealth of Virginia and individuals and businesses in the private sector. Soaring more than nine stories and boasting a stunning mix of copper, glass and masonry, the 85,000-square foot center is home to two unparalleled performance venues for local arts groups and performers from around the world, as well as university-related activities. Modeled after the intimate European opera houses of the 19th century, Merchant Hall is a 1,123-seat multipurpose proscenium theater, which is encircled by 27 private boxes that rise three levels. The Gregory Family Theater is a flexible, 4,400-square foot space that can be configured for many different types of performances and events. In addition, the Didlake Grand Foyer, with its sweeping staircase, provides an ideal setting for community, corporate and social events. The Hylton Performing Arts Center, the only building of its kind in the area, is sure to quickly become the cultural hub of Prince William County and the surrounding communities and is a shining example of collaboration and commitment to the arts.
About George Mason University
George Mason University is an innovative, entrepreneurial institution with global distinction in a range of academic fields. Located in Northern Virginia near Washington, D.C., Mason provides students access to diverse cultural experiences and the most sought-after internships and employers in the country. Mason offers strong undergraduate and graduate degree programs in engineering and information technology, organizational psychology, health care and visual and performing arts. With Mason professors conducting groundbreaking research in areas such as climate change, public policy and the biosciences, George Mason University is a leading example of the modern, public university. George Mason University – Where Innovation Is Tradition.
