The 50th season of the Tech Players kicks off with next month’s production of the Tony Award-winning play "Equus" by Peter Shaffer.

The plot of the play — which premiered in London in 1973 and ran for more than a thousand Broadway performances — revolves around a seemingly senseless act of violence that leads its characters to confront questions of responsibility and definitive meaning, ultimately exploring dilemmas of existence in a modern, industrialized society.

In celebration of the Tech Players’ anniversary, artistic director Mark Creter will step from the director’s chair and onto the stage as he takes on the show’s role of Dr. Dysart.

Two TTU alumni and Backdoor Playhouse veterans will join Creter for the production. Sean Dietz will perform the role of Alan Strang, and Matthew Bassett will guest direct.

Presented in partnership with the English Department and produced in arrangement with Samuel French, Inc., the play begins at 8 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 11, at the Backdoor Playhouse. Continuing play dates are 8 p.m., Nov. 12-13, 16, and 19-20, and 10 p.m. on Nov. 15 and 18.

Tickets for the show, a Center Stage event, are $8 for general admission, $6 for senior citizens, $4 for non-TTU students and $3 for employees at TTU Employee Appreciation Night on Tuesday, Nov. 16. TTU students get in free by presenting their Eagle Card identifications.

The play contains some adult material that may be inappropriate for children under the age of 13.

In addition to "Equus," other shows included in this landmark season’s schedule include the return of Eve Ensler’s Obie Award-winning "Vagina Monologues" in February and Tom Cone’s adaptation of Carlo Goldoni’s comedy "A Servant of Two Masters" in April.

“In celebration of the Tech Players' 50th season, we will offer three cutting-edge productions this year with an eye to the past and a nod to the future,” says Creter.

For more information, call the Backdoor Playhouse box office at 6595 or visit its web site at www.tntech.edu/bdph.