Photo Flash: La MaMa Presents Mario Fratti's OBAMA 44

La MaMa is currently in previews for the world-premiere of Mario Fratti's newest play, OBAMA 44, with performances an official press opening April 1 at La MaMa (74 E. 4 St.) in Manhattan.

Directed by Wayne Maugans, the cast of OBAMA 44 includes Rob Sedgwick, Julia Motyka, Dennis Ostermaier, Thomas Poarch and Richard Ugino. View photos below!

OBAMA 44 described as "a psychological thriller about the murder of the charming, beautiful young woman Maja, who admired and loved the President and worked for his re-election campaign. She was murdered. By whom? In the play Maja, excited and joyous says, 'Obama, our 44th president. What a triumph! I admire him so much. I love him. I'm proud of all Americans. We elected an African-American, showing the world that we are truly democratic.'"

Playwright Mario Fratti was born in Italy but has been living in New York City since 1963. He is a drama critic and a playwright. He had a long-run on Broadway with the musical NINE (his adaptation of his play SIX PASSIONATE WOMEN -- LIFE OF FELLINI). Some of his plays (CAGE, VICTIM, E. DUSE, WHITE WIDOW - MAFIA, CHE GUEVARA, PINOCHET - CHILE '73, REFRIGERATORS, BIRTHDAY, ACADEMY, SEDUCERS, SISTER, TERRORIST, LOVES, IRAQ-BLINDNESS, PORNO, THE BRIDGE, EROTIC ADVENTURES IN VENICE) have been translated and performed in 19 languages.

Photo Credit: Peter James Zielinski