Information for Foreigners

By Griselda Gambaro

Directed by Victoria Lantz

As a drama of dolor, disbelief, and disappearances, Information for Foreigners literally leads audiences through scenes of torture and brutality. Gambaro sculpted this experimental piece of theatre in order to have audience members become part of the play as a real life event. Using her experiences as an Argentinean during the Dirty War and Disappearances, Gambaro blurred the lines of what is considered theatrical, ridiculous, realistic, and horrible. As tour guides walk audiences through various rooms, we see actors rehearsing theatrical deaths, police torturing prisoners, children playing while their parents are taken from them. Throughout these scenes, tour guides explain to audiences that these are all based on true stories from different parts of Argentina in 1971. Combining puppetry, shadow work, dance, bilingualism, and acting techniques, this production highlights the importance of the Disappearances as history and as a stark allegory for our lives today. 21 actors take on multiple roles of oppressor/oppressed, male/female, alive/dead, actor/audience and many more dualistic, complex relationships to show audiences a ridiculous and nightmarish world of oppression and tribulation.

Information for Foreigners is generously co-sponsored by the University Theatre Open Stage and All Campus Party 2007.

Produced by Undergraduate Theatre Association at Hemsley Theatre, Vilas Hall, 821 University Avenue

Performances: April 25 - 28, 2007

Performance Times: Wednesday through Friday @ 7:30 PM / Saturday @ 4:00 & 8:00 PM

Ticket Prices: $3.00

Call (608) 262-1500 for reservations or more information.