Michael Stauffer in Emporia State Summer Theatre production, 'Still Life With Iris'

2013 Jul 18

When Emporia State University's Summer Theatre closes its 59th season this month, Michael Stauffer of Newton, Kan., will be involved in the production of children's show, "Still Life with Iris" written by Steven Dietz. The first recipient of the Kennedy Center's Fund for New American Plays Award, this fantastical adventure takes flight on a little girl's search for her home. It remains one of the most popular productions presented by Kansas City's Coterie Theatre.

Iris lives with her mother and father in the magical land of Nocturno where workers make, by night, all of the things we see in the world by day. In Nocturno, memories are not kept in people's minds, but in beautiful "past coats" worn by each citizen. When a past coat is torn, a trip to the memory mender is in store.

When Iris is taken from her home, and her past coat is removed, she finds herself trapped in the land of the Great Goods with the only memory of her home in a button that she clings to throughout her journey. In the land of the Great Goods, the rulers Gretta and Grotto serve as her parents. Claiming that she is the most perfect among children, Iris feels like a prisoner in her new home. Here she meets new friends Annabel Lee and Mozart who help free her and bring her home to her mother in Nocturno.

Stauffer plays Bolt Benter and Mister Himtoo

Performances are at 7:30 p.m. in Karl C. Bruder Theatre July 24-26. The final performance on Saturday, July 27, will be a 2 p.m. family matinee. Individual tickets and season passes are available from the university box office at 620-341-6378.