Ashland University Theatre opens season with 'The Autumn Garden'

Lillian Hellman's "The Autumn Garden" will open Ashland University's 2016-2017 season.

Associate Professor of Theatre Teresa Durbin-Ames is directing the drama, set in 1949.

The complex interweaving of characters at their annual reunion displays the uncertainty of life, regrets and the possibility of change. Now in their 40s, the characters find that life hasn't turned out the way they thought it would.

“Hellman’s play has given the cast and audience an opportunity to explore complicated characters, most of whom are not being honest with themselves and others," Durbin-Ames said. "Many of them realize that they have not made anything of their lives. They have been waiting for something or someone that never materialized and the sad part is that some of them don’t seem to mind. We must all be active participants in our pursuit of happiness to live lives of purpose and meaning so that we don’t look back with regret at the life we lived.”

Performances of the drama will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 21, 22, 28 and 29 at the Hugo Young Theatre. Matinees include a 2 pm. performance on Oct. 23 and a special school performance at 9 a.m. Oct. 28.