NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Playboy of the Western World inflamed audiences and caused weeklong rioting when it debuted in the National Irish Theater in Dublin in 1907. It debuts Feb. 16 at Neely Auditorium at Vanderbilt University.
Playboy of the Western World focuses on the reception given to Christy Mahon as he wanders into a small Irish village, declaring that he has just murdered his father. The villagers initially embrace Christy, determining that his courageous act has made him “the playboy of the western world.‘‘ However, their vision of him soon changes as the plot develops.
“Our own present craze for reality shows and celebrity status may help explain the world of Playboy and why the women in this rural town flip for a murderer,” said Terryl Hallquist, director of the production and associate professor of theatre.
Playboy of the Western World will be performed at 8 p.m. Feb. 16, 17, 22, 23 and 24, and at 2 p.m. on Feb. 18. Admission is $8 for the general public, $5 for graduate and professional students, and free for undergraduates with Vanderbilt identification. Tickets go on sale Feb. 12 at the Neely Auditorium box office. Tickets may be reserved by calling (615) 322-2404.
Media contact: Melissa Pankake, (615) 322-NEWS
melissa.r.pankake@vanderbilt.edu