NIU’s Department of Theatre Arts begins its spring season on Feb. 6, when the production “Road to Mecca” opens.

This unusual play by Athol Fugard focuses on Miss Helen, an old Boer woman who lives in a rural region of South Africa. Her “mecca” is an odd menagerie of concrete sculptures that she creates, which are seen as a public nuisance. This penetrating look at the role of the artist can be seen in Players Theatre Feb. 6-9 and Feb. 11-16.

“Burn This,” the next department production, is about Anna, a dancer and choreographer, and her two gay roommates with whom she shares a Manhattan loft. When one of her roommates dies unexpectedly, his brother suddenly comes into the scene, to transform the lives of the other characters forever. A word of caution – this play contains mature language. “Burn This” is playing in the O’Connell Theatre Feb. 25-28 and March 1-2.

The musical review “A…My Name is Alice” can be seen in Players Theatre March 27-30 and April 1-6. This production has been called ” a celebration of modern womanhood, a landmark theatrical tour-de-force that touches both the funnybone and the heart.”

On April 8-13, “Tartuffe,” the classic French farce by Moliere, can be seen in the O’Connell Theatre. Tartuffe, a great scoundrel, schemes to snare a wife and fortune, but is ultimately undone.

The last performance of the season will be The Northern Dance Theatre. The members of this troupe will present an assortment of ballet and modern dance performances on April 25-28 in the O’Connell Theatre.

Tickets for NIU students are $5, (with the exception of “A…My Name is Alice,” which is $10 as it is a musical). Ticket prices for the general public, NIU employees and children under 12 vary. Series subscriptions are available, as are group rates and gift certificates. For more information about the NIU Department of Theatre Arts spring season, call the theatre box office at 753-1609.