UNI production features Barbie

The Interpreters Theatre at University of Northern Iowa last night debuted a presentation called “Barbie Undone. Karen Mitchell’s a professor of communication studies, and artistic director for UNI’s Interpreters Theatre. She’s been wanting to do a Barbie show since the famous doll turned 35 years old…and this past month Barbie turned 45. A collaborater from UNI’s Women’s Studies program helped collect essays, stories and even poetry about Barbie for the performance. Once the unrealistic fashion ideal for generatinos of little girls, Barbie CAN be a positive role model, Mitchell says. Advertising messages try to dictate how girls should play with their Barbies, but thanks to their creativity, she sees Barbie evolving into “more of an action figure” than a fashion statement. Performances continue through Sunday at UNI’s Interpreters Theatre in Lang Hall.