Those new to the Brandeis campus should make themselves keenly aware of the Brandeis Theater Company (BTC). The performance ensemble-comprised of students, faculty and a variety of guest artists-gives those who are still beginning their theater careers the opportunity to work with professionals on the stage. The company explores a wide range of culturally and historically diverse works, ranging from morose comedies, such as last year's "The Waiting Room," to the honor dramas of the Spanish golden age ("The Physician of His Honor.") This coming year promises to be no less diverse. Kicking off the season on Oct. 11th will be "The Threepenny Opera," which was first debuted on this very campus 55
years ago. The play, originally by German writer Bertolt Brecht, explores the adventures of the working-class underbelly, set in Victorian London. A prototypical
scoundrel and womanizer, Macheath, secretly marries the daughter of London's Beggar Lord, and pays dearly for his trespass with all manner of trouble. Directed by Company Head Eric Hill, the show will feature the work of famed set designer and faculty member, Karl Eigsti.

Following that, Double Edge Theatre, an innovative and eclectic group based in
Ashfield, Mass., will be bringing their own unique interpretation of Alexandre Dumas'
classic, "The Three Musketeers" to the Brandeis campus. The unforgettable portrayal of swordplay, politics and deceit will be directed by company members Stacy Klein and Matthew Glassman, in coordination with the BTC.

In the spring, faculty member professor Adrianne Krstansky (THA) will direct Shakespeare's "As You Like It," a tale of entangled romance and vengeful royalty. The show will open on Feb. 17th.

Finally, BTC will present an adaptation of the traditional Chinese folktale, "The Orphan of Zhao." Directed by Hill and Naya Chang (GRAD), the play tells the story of the lone survivor of the Massacre of Jin as he seeks retribution and the restoration of compassionate order in feudal China. With an original musical score composed by Yu-Hui Chang (MUS) and performed by Jiebing Chen on the erhu and Yangqin Zhao on the hammered dulcimer, along with the Lydian String Quartet, "The Orphan of Zhao" promises to be an fittingly intense end to the 2007-2008 theater season.