Pfeiffer Seeks Donations for Scotland Presentation"  

SALISBURY, MD---Dr. Paul Pfeiffer, Salisbury State University director of theatre, has been asked to perform his one-man play, Apology for the Life of an Actor, at the International Edinburgh Theatre Festival in Scotland from August 1-27. 

During the festival, professionals from around the world present new plays in rotation. Operating since the 1960s, the festival has earned a reputation for providing international exposure of new works. 

Given the status of the festival, any sponsored production must be first thought deserving--not only in order to be invited to participate, but deserving of the support of its home-base patrons, Pfeiffer said. 

The Over-the-Road Theatre, which seats about 120 people, hosts 25 performances of Pfeiffer’s play. Roughly $9,000 in funding is being sought by Pfeiffer to cover production costs and living expenses. 

“As part of this honored festival, my play would not only reflect my professional identity and my standing in both educational and professional theatre, but would also stand as a hallmark of our University,” Pfeiffer said.

Freelance director for the BBC Michael Mundell assists Pfeiffer with his performance. Mundell also directed an earlier performance this year by Pfeiffer at SSU and a 1999 production in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, with British character actor David Ryall, under the auspices of the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC). The RSC is now considering its own production of Pfeiffer’s play.

The humorous biography--written by Pfeiffer for his doctoral dissertation--is about the life of Colley Cibber, an eccentric, 73-year-old actor on the last night of his career.

The life of Cibber, as chronicled in Apology, is one of remarkable tenacity and cheerful determination set against the overwhelming prejudices and social obstacles of the 18th century.   

For Pfeiffer, Apology unites his two academic loves--history and theatre. He completed his master’s degree at the University of Maryland in 1985 in theatre history and directing, and his doctoral degree at the Union Institute in 1992 in theatre history and performance.

Donations may be made to Pfeiffer c/o SSU Theatre Department, 1101 Camden Avenue, Salisbury, MD 21801.

For more information call 410-543-6030 or visit the University’s Web site at www.salisbury.edu.