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  33 VARIATIONS
33 Variations

A production of Tectonic Theater Project
written and directed by Moisés Kaufman

In 1819, fledgling publisher Anton Diabelli commissioned 50 composers to write a variation on a waltz he had created. Beethoven rejected the invitation, dismissing Diabelli’s waltz as ordinary. He then obsessively created 33 variations on Diabelli’s theme. Why? Kaufman’s play weaves Beethoven’s artistic journey together with that of Katherine, a contemporary musicologist wrestling to pin down the source of his inexplicable fascination with such an insignificant piece of music. Deciphering clues left behind in Beethoven’s notebooks and letters, Katherine delves into his compositional process and daily life – finding even greater insight into her own obsession with genius.

(more from the Tectonic Theater Project page)

  (link to information about the Los Angeles performances starring Jane Fonda at the Ahmanson Theater, Los Angeles, January 30 - March 6, 2010)
  (link to information about the Broadway premiere starring Jane Fonda at Eugene O'Neill Theatre, February 9 - May 29, 2008)
  (link to information about the West Coast premiere at LaJolla Playhouse, April 8 - May 4, 2008)
  (link to information about the World Premiere at the Arena Stage, August 24 - September 30, 2007)

"Theatre Critics Honor Four - Steinberg/ATCA Award, nation's richest" (link)
"Kaufman's '33 Variations' Receives New Play Award" (link)


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