'Rashomon' opens at Hillcrest Center

FIGHT TO THE FINISH—The Wife (Lauren Girard), center, watches the Husband (Mark Goles), right, battle the Bandit (Erik Melton) in Gothic Productions' 2009 season opener "Rashomon." The show runs Jan. 9 to 25 at the Hillcrest Center for the Arts, 403 W. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks. Gothic Productions ushers in the new year with its production of the drama "Rashomon," the classic Japanese tale of crime and deceit.

Performances will be Jan. 9 through 25 at the Theatre on the Hill/Hillcrest Center for the Arts, 403 W. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks.

Showtimes are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.

Based on the stories of Ryunosuke Akutagawa, the English-language play is by Fay and Michael Kanin.

The basis for the 1950 film by Akira Kurosawa, "Rashomon" tells a story of an alleged rape and murder from multiple points of view. Each time the tale is retold, the story changes to suit the perceptions of the teller.

The production is directed by Theresa Secor and features Lauren Girard, Eric Melton, Mark Goles, Alex Matute, Michael Jordan, Robert Weibezahl, Ivy Ratafia, Karla Juliana and James Glasner.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for seniors/students. For tickets, call the box office at (805) 3811246 or visit www.hillcrestarts .com. For the group rate or more, call (818) 991-1207.