Banned Plays in L.A. Includes Ghosts and Salome Scenes, Jan. 27-March 4
By: BWW News Desk Jan. 24, 2006
"This 90-minute exploration into censorship, which was researched and compiled by GuerriLA Theatre, is a collection of ten scenes from plays that over the centuries have been banned for political, social, religious, sexual and multiple other reasons," according to production notes. Banned Plays is produced by Jennifer Lamar and directed Michael Donovan. Part of the proceeds will benefit the writers' organization PEN Center USA.
"Banned Plays is a journey through a series of stories of love, lust, betrayal, despair and salvation as well as a reminder of the dangers of censorship. We are taken all the way back to Oscar Wilde's Biblical story of Salome which was condemned as 'blasphemous and pornographic.' We revisit Henrick Ibsen's Ghosts, which was banned in England for failing to show respect for the institution of marriage and it's public discussion of venereal disease. Although some of the plays are familiar to us, Banned Plays also brings us pieces that have been forgotten, yet deal with subjects that are still relevant. The Captive by Edouard Bourdet is one such play. In 1926, Bourdet brought the first play regarding a lesbian relationship to the American Stage. A New York politician arrested the cast for offending public morals.
Not all of the scenes are from a time that many of us can't remember. The 1960's were a time of change and turmoil, a time when people were pushing boundaries and in San Francisco in 1965 the two lead actors of The Beard by Michael McClure were arrested and charged with 'obscenity and conspiring to commit a felony.' These are just a few of the plays introduced and re-introduced with short synopses and explanations of why they were 'banned.' While some of the issues raised may seem mild by today's standards others touch on social and political issues that we find ourselves still facing."
Donovan is perhaps best known in Los Angeles as a casting director, having cast 45 films, 9 TV series, and over 1,000 commercials. He also casts extensively for the theatre, and his productions have received numerous honors from the L.A. Drama Critics' Circle and the N.A.A.C.P., as well as Backstage West Garlands, L.A. Weekly and Ovation Awards. He is also a two-time nominee for the Casting Society of America's Artios Award. Having started in the business as an actor/director, Donovan is returning to his roots to direct for GuerriLA Theatre. Donovan has directed multiple theatre productions on both coasts, as well as three short films. A former president of the West Coast Ensemble, he is now the Artistic Director for the newly formed Culver City Playhouse.
"In the tradition of Shakespeare's traveling 'players,' GuerriLA Theatre is a mobile troop of professional actors presenting modern short plays detailing intricate aspects of the human condition in various venues from private homes to photo studios, and hair salons. These pieces, performed with simplicity and efficiency, require no special technical needs or sets." Part of the proceeds from each of their performances go to charity. GuerriLA Theatre is a non-profit 501(c) organization. All fees, ticket purchases, and donations are tax deductible.
Area 101 is located at 1051 N. Cole Avenue Stage B in Hollywood. The show will be presented on Friday at 8 PM and Saturday at 7:30 PM; doors open 45 minutes prior to curtain for complimentary Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. Tickets are $25.00 in advance, and $27.50 at the door; purchase themat www.guerrilatheatre.com (no fee applied). For more information, call 323 850-3240.
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