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The Department of Theatre and Dance and the institute within the department are each presenting shows today (Dec. 7) and this weekend: The Bacchae, by Euripides, and Dead Man’s Cell Phone, a comedy by MacArthur Fellowship recipient Sarah Ruhl.

In this production of The Bacchae, depicting a mortal struggle between the forces of control and freedom, the Department of Theatre and Dance turns Dionysus into a wickedly sexy rock star and the Bacchae into his groupies. There’s original music to match, and dominatrices for good measure.

And humor. “I wanted to make this Greek tragedy accessible and enjoyable for today’s audiences,” said the director, Granada Artist-in-Residence Barry McGovern, whose screen and stage credits include acting roles in Far and Away, Joe Versus the Volcano and Waiting for Godot.

The Institute for Exploration in Theatre, Dance and Performance presents Dead Man’s Cell Phone, revealing the lives of ordinary people through their cell phone conversations, and a woman’s need to connect in a technologically obsessed world.

Kevin Adamski directs Ruhl’s work, with production design inspired by the Edward Hopper and Lillian Warren.

AT A GLANCE

WHAT: The Bacchae, translated by Derek Mahon. 

WHEN: Friday-Saturday, Dec. 7-8 — 8 p.m.

WHERE: Main Theatre, Wright Hall

ADVISORY: Rated PG-13 for language and violent images.

TICKETS are available through the Mondavi Center box office: , or (530) 754-2787 or (866) 754-2787.

WHAT: Dead Man’s Cell Phone

WHEN: Friday-Sunday, Dec. 7-9 — 8 p.m.

WHERE: Wyatt Pavilion Theatre

ADVISORY: Rated PG-13.

ADMISSION: Free, with suggested donations at the door. Seating is limited on a first-come, first-served basis.

Tonight: Chorus and Symphony Orchestra

The University Chorus and Symphony Orchestra, along with the Pacific Boychoir, present a concert at 7 o'clock tonight (Dec. 7), in Jackson Hall at the Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets: , or (530) 754-2787 or (866) 754-2787.

The program:

• Mozart — Te Deum and Laudamus Dominum from Vesperae solennes de confessore, K. 339
• Beethoven — Fantasia for Piano, Chorus and Orchestra in C Minor, op. 80, featuring Steven Bailey, piano
• Andrew Lloyd Webber — Requiem, featuring Shawnette Sulker, soprano, and Wesley Rogers, tenor