The Hilberry Repertory Theatre Company on the campus of Wayne State University will continue our 40th anniversary season with a production of Caryl Churchill's Cloud Nine directed by Gillian Eaton. In this wickedly funny examination of sexual stereotypes and the relationship between gender and status, the present is not divorced from the past. The first act, set in an African outpost of the British Empire, circa 1880, exposes the parallel between colonialism and sexual oppression; the second act, set in London in the early 1980's finds the same characters have aged only 25 years, but find themselves 100 years in the future, and bewildered by the freedoms and choices now open to them. Churchill uses role reversals to highlight how we, as human beings, let other people's opinions define both who we are and what we can become.

Cloud Nine shattered taboos when it premiered in 1979. The play has since become a classic, and is one of the most significant ventures into post-contemporary drama in the last 25 years. The production is decidedly geared towards the mature audience member and contains language and situations that some may find shocking. Churchill's choice to use profanity is not arbitrary, she understands that language itself is a political choice and characters are defined not only by what they say, but also by what they want to say. The intention is not to offend, but instead to explore. This spirit of the exploration will undoubtedly raise many questions amongst Hilberry patrons; questions appropriate to the college environment in which this play is being presented.

Regular theatergoers will be familiar with Cloud Nine director Gillian Eaton from her work throughout Southeast Michigan as an award winning director and performer. Eaton, who is originally from Wales, is a former member of The Royal Shakespeare Company and is the recipient of numerous awards for her work in theatre internationally.

The Hilberry Theatre is located on the corner of Cass and Hancock in Detroit. Performances of Cloud Nine are 8 p.m. Friday: Jan. 10, 17, 31, Feb. 14; 8 p.m. Saturday: Jan. 11, 18, Feb. 15, Mar. 1; 8 p.m. Thursday: Jan. 30, Feb. 20, Mar. 27; 2 p.m. Saturday: Jan. 18, Feb. 15; 2 p.m. Wednesday: Jan. 29. Ticket prices range from $12 - $20, with student rush tickets available the day of the performance for 50% off. Coupon books are on sale and group discounts are also available. For tickets and further information, please call the Wayne State University Theatre box office at (313) 577- 2972.