FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 19, 2000 DRAKE THEATRE TO PRESENT GORKI'S 'VASSA' APRIL 27-30 Drake University Theatre will conclude the spring season by presenting the Midwestern premiere of "Vassa," a play written in 1909 by Maxim Gorki. "Vassa," a hit last season in its Almeida Theatre revival in London's West End, will open at Drake on Thursday, April 27. Gorki's play is a darkly satiric comedy that probes the baser nature of a middle-class Russian family. "If you think Russian plays aren't funny, check out this one!" said director William S.E. Coleman, professor of theatre arts at Drake. The play takes its name from Vassa Zheleznova, a mother who said, "Remember, for the sake of your children, nothing is shameful, nothing is ever a sin." Vassa's violent husband is on his death bed as the curtain rises. Now head of the ultimate dysfunctional family, the ruthless Vassa plots to keep her family's business and fortune together even if it means swindling her own children, forging her husband's will, and even murder. Vassa's daughter, Anna, has fled from Moscow and an unhappy marriage, arriving at the family home on the evening of her father's funeral. Vassa, herself involved in a liaison with her estate manager, finds she is faced with a worthy opponent in the amoral, strong-willed Anna. The power struggle veers from broad comedy to bitter irony, and even horror. "Vassa" is a "strikingly original play that remains timely 90 years after its first appearance at the Moscow Arts Theatre," Coleman said. "It is a most unusual theatrical event not to be missed." Costumes for "Vassa" were designed by Josie Poppen, Drake's theatre costume designer. The set was designed by Sarah Schwickerath, a junior from Charles City, Iowa, who is majoring in theatre arts design. Performances will start at 8 p.m. April 27, 28, 29 and 30 in Studio 55 of the Harmon Fine Arts Center, 25th Street and Carpenter Avenue. Tickets are $4 for adults, $2 for students and senior citizens and free with a Drake ID. Reservations are required due to limited seating. Call the Drake Fine Arts Box Office at (515) 271-3841.