David Jortner, a doctoral candidate in the theater department, cuddles with a 9-foot burmese… David Jortner, a doctoral candidate in the theater department, cuddles with a 9-foot burmese python at a free pre-show to Pitt Repertory Theatre’s performance of “The Serpent” in the Henry Heymann theater in Stephen Foster Memorial. The python, who normally resides at the Wilkinsburg Aquarium, will return to entertain audiences before the show’s performance on March 1.