Thursday, March 15, 2007

Wilmington, N.C. - In the Womb of the Moon, an original play by Lou Buttino, chair of the University of North Carolina Wilmington Department of Film Studies, debuts March 22 on the Mainstage Theatre in the Cultural Arts Building. This is the second show in the UNCW's Theatre Program's spring season.

In the Womb of the Moon is a heartwarming exploration of an immigrant Italian family as it adjusts to shifting cultural mores and expectations. "The play grew out of a true, personal experience," says Buttino. "I had just finished my Ph.D. and was tired of books, academic writing and all the rest. My grandmother, an extremely private woman, was expected to die by the end of summer. I went to live with her and during that time, she grew to love me from a different place, and to trust me. She told me things that she had not told anyone else on earth."

That was more than 30 years ago. Buttino says he was too close to the experience to do it justice, and that, over time, the characters began to take on a life of their own. "Sometimes when you write about personal things, you treat it as too special...too personal."

"What's truly beautiful," Buttino adds, "was that my grandmother came from an oral culture. She couldn't read or write. And while at first she objected to me keeping a journal of our time together, at one point she said that because I was writing things down, she would now stay - all la famiglia would stay too." And that they have, as lived through the characters in this play.

That's a key reason why Buttino takes great pleasure in seeing the play performed. Other reasons are important as well. "UNCW is my second home," he says. "To have the play produced in front of students, colleagues and friends is wonderful." Buttino adds another reason. "You know, for 30 years I have been supporting my students in any way I could. Now, with this remarkable student cast, I feel they are supporting me with their hard work, joy, and passion for the story. I'm so proud of them."

His gratitude also extends to the hard work provided by many professionals in the UNCW Theatre Department - especially Terry Theodore, who is directing the play. "Terry is great with the students and patient with me," Buttino smiles. "He works very hard and helped me not only to grow as a playwright, but also to grow in my understanding of the many demands and underlying vision of a theatrical production."

An award-winning filmmaker, Buttino became chair of film studies in 2005. He holds a bachelor's degree from Colgate University and master's degrees from the University of Miami and Colgate Rochester Divinity School. He holds a doctorate from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University.

Not only is Buttino the playwright, he also makes his acting debut. "It's not too much of a stretch," he laughs. "I play an older college professor!"

In the Womb of the Moon opens on Thursday, March 22 and runs through Monday, March 26. All performances will begin at 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, with a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday. Tickets for each performance are $10 per person. Tickets can be purchased by contacting the Kenan Box Office at 910.962.3500 or 800.732.3643.

Buttino's play is part of the UNCW Year of the Arts, a celebration of performances, exhibits, outreach initiatives and events and exciting new partnerships with local, regional and state organizations.