University Students Strip Down

When thinking about the University of Alabama, what comes to mind? Football or maybe long standing traditions here at the Capstone. One thing I quickly found is not many students on campus are familiar with the University's theatre department. The theatre department offers various programs of study leading to the Bachelor's degree in theatre. The program areas include acting, musical theatre, theatre management and administration, scene design and technical production, and custume design and production. I thought that maybe just talking about the theatre department is one thing, but telling about one of their upcoming productions will give you a better view of what this program is about. To be honest, the only reason I am familiar with the theatre department is because of my roommate, Caroline. Caroline is a theatre major and also attends the university for music. One thing that has her excited about the theatre department is the upcoming fall play "Hair." "Hair" is a play written forty-one years ago that is set in the 1960's. According to Caroline, the play is essentially about "hippie-life dealing with the threat of the Vietnam." The students involved in the play are so passionate about the production this year, that they are begging students to be attend this big production affair. The play is set to show October 26 to November 1 at the Allen Bales Theatre on campus. There is another reason why the actors/actresses are excited about this production. The students involved get to make UA history and break controversial boundaries. The students will perform a completely nude scene. According to WVUA-TV, "the University of Alabama Theatre students were fighting for the right to have a nude scene "Hair." After fighting for their right, the University finally granted permission about two weeks ago. WVUA-TV explains that "the nude scene is traditionally set at a protest against the Vietnam War, where protesters undress to show the beauty of the human body." The students very excited to be able to do the play as it once was performed in 1992. The play will be very powerful and a cool experience to watch first hand as the student actors/actresses make history. I have never been to a play performed by the university theatre students, but since my roommate has such a huge role and the play is going to be historical, I am going to purchase a ticket and go to at least one of the nights, if not multiple. If anyone is interested in seeing this controversial and famous play, you better hurry and get your ticket soon because they are almost sold out!