The 1970s proved to be a very important time for women and the play, Uncommon Women and Others, captures this transformative era.

Showing Oct. 19-23, 8 p.m. nightly at the University Theatre, Uncommon Women and Others by Wendy Wasserstein, examines the changing social dynamics of the age.

"The play takes place during an era of tremendous change for women, but the fundamental theme of students figuring out their place in the world remains relevant and recognizable today," says Dr. Shelley Scott, director.

This often funny, reflective play transports audiences to the 1970s to share the struggles, challenges and joys of five independently uncommon women.

Written by Pulitzer Prize winning playwright, Wendy Wasserstein, this compelling drama opens as the women meet at a restaurant in 1978. A flashback transports the audience back six years and shows the women while they were students at a prestigious, all-female college, forming the friendships and making the choices that shape their destinies.

From the set, designed by Donal Atkinson, to the costumes, designed by U of L drama major Candace Van Osch, the production explores a time when clothes and furnishings had a distinctly original style.

"The entire production is an expression of such an important time for women," says Scott. "It captures the essence of that time, in which the women's movement was changing women's lives. This play explores these themes and also speaks about a coming-of-age that all students go through."

"Wasserstein was often referred to as the female Neil Simon," adds Scott. "Artistic Director, Lincoln Center Theatre, Andre Bishop, remarks that all of Wasserstein's plays revolve around intelligent, attractive, educated, uncommon women who, while attempting to deal with their fears and disappointments, manage to define and redefine who they are."

Tickets are available at the U of L Box Office (403-329-2616), Monday through Friday from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.