SPRING'S AWAKENING, written by Frank Wedekind and directed by Evan Drane, brilliantly portrays our paradoxical relationship with the human condition through the lens of a controversial subject matter: the curiosity of teenagers. Set in 1890's Germany, three children embark on a mission to explore their newfound interest of sex, a subject suppressed by parents and teachers alike. In an effort to clear his head from confounding imagery, Moritz - the dunce of his school - asks his best friend, and ace student, Melchior to write an essay for him on the subject of copulation. Meanwhile, Melchior, the presumptive expert, begins to delve into his own feelings of temptation with childhood friend Wendla, a gentle soul who resists the oncoming dolling of womanhood. The children's exploration leads to actions with grave consequences, culminating in the erasing of all that is familiar.

This exciting new translation by Drane and the Ensemble craftily combines Wedekind's ideas with a subtle but present contemporary dialog. The result is a clear enunciation of Wedekind's themes for the modern audience, specifically the equal mixture of comedy and tragedy to display the desire that lies within us all. In the end, the play clearly demonstrates a startling paradox - our tendency to run from and towards truth.

SHOW TIMES:
Thur - Sat at 8 pm, except for July 4th

ADMISSION:
Individuals: $20
Students/Military (with ID): $10

Reservations- 310-396-3680 or Buy Tickets Online

Creative Team

Written by Frank Wedekind
Directed by Evan Drane
Adapted by the Los Angeles Theatre Ensemble
Lead Writer - Evan Drane
Lighting and Scenic Design - Francois-Pierre Couture
Costume Designer - Shannon Kennedy
Fight Choreographer - Ben Bradford

Cast

Eleanor Van Hest as Wendla
Luke Bailey as Melchior
Nick McDow as Moritz
Catherine Talton as Martha
Danika Sudik as Thea
Jen Bailey as Ilse
Morgan Early as Frau Bergmann
Olivia Choate as Frau Gabor
David Hassett as Hans
Matthew Schueller as Ernst
Isaac Wade
Sarah Girard