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Sept. 5, 2012 — The Allegheny Playshop Theatre opens its 83rd season with an original performance, “Playing Dirty,” devised by Beth Watkins, Brian Thummler and the Company. The show will be presented in the Gladys Mullenix Black Theatre in the Vukovich Center for Communication Arts on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 14 and 15, at 8 p.m.

“Playing Dirty” was created with Watkins, Thummler and a company of students who spent several months developing material on the historical, scientific and sociological connotations of dirt.

“The devising process is challenging because it is difficult to know what the end product will be,” said Watkins, “but it’s equally rewarding because it relies on discovery and perseverance.” Company member Blair Hartman, a junior at Allegheny College, notes that “each cast member has brought a part of him or herself into the rehearsal process,” resulting in a range of stories examined in the play.

“Playing Dirty” has several original songs by Philadelphia-based composer Bob Michel. The music helps to tell the various stories of how dirt shapes the world we live in, including personal hygiene, cultural taboos and the language we use.

In addition to Blair Hartman, Company members include Tito Aderemi-Ibitola, Annie Maglione, Lee Scandinaro and Kevin Van Develde. Dan Winston is the musical director, Lee Ann Adelsheim the stage manager, Uriel Gomez the costume designer and Michael Mehler the lighting designer.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $7.50 for non-Allegheny students, senior citizens and Allegheny employees. Although admission is free for Allegheny students with identification, they are asked to make reservations.

For more information or to order tickets, contact the Playshop Theatre box office at 814-332-3414. The production contains strong language and may not be appropriate for all audiences.

Caption: Allegheny students Annie Maglione and Blair Hartman in “Playing Dirty.” Photo by Bill Owen.