Editorials

UC Berkeley prof honored 

Dacher Keltner, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology at UC Berkeley, was chosen as one of four recipients of the John Marks Templeton Positive Psychology Prize, one of the largest monetary prizes ever awarded in this field. 

Keltner was awarded for his research on the role that the display of such emotions as embarrassment and shame play in the appeasement and reconciliation process which help individuals and groups form and maintain important social relationships. 

Keltner found that low-status people tease high-status people in different ways than high-status people tease low-status people, and respond in different ways as well. He discovered that these differences enhance the cohesiveness of the group. 

Keltner’s third place award totals $30,000. The award includes a prize of $10,000 and a grant of $20,000, to be used any way the recipient chooses. 

Aurora’s season nears its end 

Berkeley’s Aurora Theatre Company will close its 1999-2000 season with the world premiere of “SPLIT,” a witty, romantic comedy by Academy Award-winning screenwriter and playwright Mayo Simon.  

The play is about a man, Arthur, who has divided his life and emotions between his wife, who lives on one coast, and his lover, Clare, who lives on the other. Arthur’s life changes when Clare, who is tired of waiting for Arthur to leave his wife, announces her engagement to another man.  

Arthur catches a plain to Los Angeles to re-claim Clare, where he has to decide what he wants. He convinces Clare that they will be “just friends” from now on, but secretly makes plans to get her back. 

Arthur, a man in his mid-60s, is played by Owen Murphy, and Clare, in her 50s, is played by Elizabeth Benedict. Loy Arcenas, a nationally acclaimed set director, makes his directing debut. 

“SPLIT” will preview May 26, 27, 28, and 31, opens June 1, and runs trough July 2 at the Berkeley City Club, located at 2315 Durant Ave. Tickets are regularly $28, with previews and Sunday evening shows $25. For tickets and information, call (510) 843-4822. 

Final show for Berkeley Rep 

Berkeley Repertory Theater will conclude its 32nd season with the West Coast premiere of Patrick Marber’s “Closer,” directed by Wilson Milam. The play runs from May 24 to July 9. 

“Closer,” which premiered at the Royal National Theatre in London in 1997, is a touching and unflinchingly honest examination of love and relationships, set in contemporary London. It was the recipient of the 1998 Oliver and London Critics’ Circle awards for Best Play and was the 1997 Evening Standard Award for Best comedy. 

The play is about a woman named Alice who takes her clothes off for a living. She is one of four people who move in sub-concentric circles, dating, mating, leaving, and grieving. “Closer” displays sexual impulse and the yearning for human intimacy. 

Tickets are priced between $19 and $48.50 and are available through the Berkeley Rep Box Office at (510) 845-4700 or toll free at 1-888-4BRTTix. 

– Daily Planet Staff