ALTON – Bankside Repertory Theatre Company concludes its second season with August Strindberg’s classic play, “Miss Julie,” in a new adaptation by contemporary American playwright Craig Lucas.

 “Miss Julie” will run two weekends: Thursday, March 30, Friday, March 31 and Saturday April 1; Thursday, April 6, Friday, April 7 and Saturday, April 8. All performances are 7:30 p.m. at Jacoby Arts Center, 627 E. Broadway, Alton, Ill. 

Directed by Bankside founding member Sue Ellen Coughtry, “Miss Julie” follows the dark hours of one midsummer night when Julie, mistress of the house, encounters her servant, Jean. His dream to rise above a servile station clashes with Julie’s desire to escape from high society. To what lengths will Julie and Jean go to be loved and to be free? Julie’s independence and free will are tested when questions of powerlessness, wealth, class and privilege explode with tragic consequences.

“I was drawn to this play because we are still struggling with many of the same issues today: entrapment in social class, psychological struggles and the need for love,” says Coughtry. “The characters are complex and struggle intensely, hoping for transformation and escape. They dream of a better version of their lives. But as we all know change is hard. For me, one of the central questions this play raises is, is it our responsibility to love and care for each other?”

Strindberg is considered one of theatre’s first modern playwrights. Ignoring the rules of convention, he created theatre that emphasized realistic emotions, social behavior, psychological motivation and the drive for survival. His intent was to challenge and confront the societal views of his audience.

This production of “Miss Julie” is produced by special arrangement with Playscripts, Inc. Because of mature themes, “Miss Julie” is not suitable for children or teens under age 16.

“Miss Julie” features St. Louis award-winning actors Léerin Campbell (Julie) and Jason Contini (Jean), as well as Bankside Theatre regular Andrea Beth Craig as Kristine and an ensemble cast.

Campbell’s professional credits include work with Actors’ Studio St. Louis and First Run Theatre. A graduate of Rhodes College in Memphis, Tenn., she studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London. St. Louis native Contini is a familiar presence in the Midwest theatre community. Nominated for multiple St. Louis Theatre Circle Awards, he received the Circle Award for his role in “Death of a Salesman.” He recently co-wrote and starred in the feature film, “Four color Eulogy.”

Thursday performances are $10, reserved front-row seating $12; Friday and Saturday performances are $15, reserved front-row seating $18. Students with a current ID pay $10 for all performances or rush $5 tickets nightly upon availability; line-up at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the door or follow the link at http://www.jacobyartscenter.org/tickets. General seating admission is on a first-come, first-seated basis. Doors open 30 minutes in advance. A cash bar is available.

About the Jacoby Arts Center

The mission of the Jacoby Arts Center is to nurture and promote the practice and appreciation of the arts through education, exhibits, cultural programs and community outreach initiatives. Jacoby Arts Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. The Jacoby Arts Center is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.

Jacoby Arts Center, 627 E. Broadway, Alton, IL 62002 / 618-462-5222 / jacobyartscenter@gmail.com

About Bankside Repertory Theatre Company – Established in 2015 by a group of local theatre artists, actors and college theatre professors, Bankside is a professional theatre company that believes the arts are essential to life. During their first two seasons, they successfully produced newly written work and contemporary and classic productions. Bankside is committed to making theatre for its audience that is affordable, accessible and imbued with a life-healing perspective.

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