Utah Tech University Theatre and Dance invites audiences into a world where passion defies destiny and love becomes a force both breathtaking and dangerous with its spring production of Tristan and Yseult. The visually striking reimagining of the legendary romance runs February 26–28 and March 3–7 at 7:30 PM at the Eccles Mainstage Theatre, located in the Dolores Doré Eccles Fine Arts Center on the Utah Tech campus.
Directed by Theatre Professor John Terry and visiting artist Jennifer Weber from the University of Georgia, Tristan and Yseult explores timeless questions of devotion, desire, and the risks taken in pursuit of true love. The production draws on Kneehigh Theatre’s bold storytelling style, blending movement, music, aerial artistry, and theatrical invention to transform an ancient myth into an immersive contemporary experience.
The story follows Tristan, a wandering knight, whose forbidden love for Yseult, promised to King Mark, places loyalty, honor, and entire kingdoms in jeopardy. As secrecy and devotion collide, the narrative balances epic scale with intimate emotion while examining the powerful pull of fate and the cost of desire.
This production represents a full collaboration between Utah Tech’s Theatre, Dance, and Music departments. Audiences can expect aerial silks, modern and contemporary dance, stage combat, intimacy choreography, live vocal performance, and an ensemble-driven visual style that emphasizes physical storytelling and innovation.
The creative team includes stage manager Adda Fernandez, assistant director Frankie Garrard, dramaturg Allison Gibbes, and designers Shelby Burgess for scenery and technical direction, Abdiel Portalatín Peréz for costumes, and Henry Echeverria for lighting and sound. Additional artistic leadership features aerial choreography by Dr. JB Shilcutt, vocal coaching and composition by Dr. Melissa Glenn, fight choreography by David Parry, and intimacy coordination by Rebecca Wright and John Terry.
Tristan and Yseult is rated PG-13 for adult themes, sensuality, and staged violence. Tickets go on sale February 2. General admission tickets are $20, with $5 tickets available for Utah Tech faculty, staff, and students. Tickets may be purchased at utahtech.evenue.net/events/THEATRE.
