Reimagining an old dream

The Valley Performing Arts Center's Experimental Theatre is the setting for a new production of "Life is a Dream."

Centuries-old stories of European kingdoms take on new relevance in Milo Cruz’s Pulitzer prize-winning adaptation of Pedro Calderón de la Barca’s “Life is a Dream.” Students at California State University, Northridge (CSUN) will perform the new version beginning this weekend at the Experimental Theatre of the Valley Performing Arts Center.

“Life is a Dream” examines some of the deepest mysteries of reality. It ponders the tension between liberty and destiny and questions whether life is but an illusion. In Cruz’s adaptation, these questions are put in the context of a humankind that can simultaneously produce transcendent art and vicious genocide.

The production is the first directed by Larry Biederman, the new head of the school’s directing program.

The show runs February 17-19 and February 22-26. Curtain times are at 7:30 p.m. except for Sunday performances, which start at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 for general admission, $17 for seniors and $15 for students. They may be reserved by calling (818) 677-2488. For directions and parking, please see the arts center’s website.

Posted 2/15/12