The Michigan premiere of Robert Schenkkan's Pulitzer Prize-winning show The Kentucky Cycle Parts I and II will open at the Hilberry Theatre on two consecutive evenings. Part I opens Thursday, April 1, 2004 at 7 p.m. and Part II on Friday, April 2 at 7 p.m. The Hilberry Theatre is proud to be in the unique position of performing each part of this exciting show in repertory.

The Kentucky Cycle follows three Kentucky families through 200 years of American history from 1775 to 1975. Each generation adds obstacles for their descendents. The Rowens, Talberts and Biggs must all find a way to survive in the ever-changing, unforgiving environment in the Appalachian Mountains.

This sweeping epic begins with the settlement of land taken brutally and unjustly from the Cherokee. This is followed by death plots against spouse, father and neighbors; the trauma caused by the American Civil War; the raping of land for mineral rights; and the rise and fall of mining unions. Part II closes the show in 1975 with the restoration of hope for the future of the land and the human spirit.

An event this size, scope and dimension is rare. The Kentucky Cycle Parts I and II could only be produced by a theatre with deep resources including an acting ensemble, seasoned design teams and committed administrative support. Not since 1988 and the production of Nicholas Nickleby has the Hilberry Theatre had the privilege to present a work of such magnitude.

"The show demands the best work from the entire company of Hilberry graduate students including all of the actors, designers, stage and theatre managers," explains director Lavinia Hart. "The performance faculty at Wayne State University is giving incredible support through language assistance and dialect work by Nancy Lipschultz."

The Wayne State University Linguistics department is also involved with the project. Linguistic students and Hilberry actors have worked to incorporate the Ottawa language into the script to assist in the reality of the piece. The Ottawa language, also known as Nishnaabemwin, was spoken by Algonquian tribes in the Great Lakes area. It was chosen for the Hilberry TheatreÕs production of The Kentucky Cycle to introduce audience members to a local Native American language. The original script was translated from Cherokee into both English and Ottawa with the assistance of Reta Sands, a fluent speaker and teacher of Nishnaabemwin for over 40 years. Ms. Sands has been an advisor on many projects, including a dictionary of her language that is now in widespread use.

The opportunity to produce this once-in-a-lifetime show has been met with enthusiasm and unwavering commitment from all involved. "It's a rarity and a happy surprise," says director Patricia Ansuini.

The Kentucky Cycle Part I opens on April 1 at 7 p.m. and The Kentucky Cycle Part II opens on April 2 at 7 p.m. Both will continue in rotating repertory until May 15. The Kentucky Cycle Part I contains nudity.

For tickets and further information, please contact the Wayne State University Theatre box office at 4743 Cass Ave., or call (313) 577- 2972.