Trustus Theatre Opens MARIE ANTOINETTE Tonight

Trustus Theatre will host its 31st season beginning with David Adjmi's Marie Antoinette, directed by Robert Richmond and running from tonight, September 18, through October 3.

Production Director Robert Richmond and Artistic Director Chad Henderson have worked diligently to prepare a compelling show full of imaginative storytelling and creativity that will fully satisfy Columbia's artistic cravings. The 18th Century meets the 21st Century in Adjmi's contemporary take on the young queen of France, wherein Marie is a confection created by a society that values extravagance and artifice. A talented cast and an imaginative production team will bring to light the infamous life of her majesty through modern language and unexpected avenues of storytelling.

"This season's plays call for the audience to become a part of the creative process with the artists on and off stage. The marriage of audience and artists is what makes theatre such a dynamic and singular art form. Where else can you sit with strangers and engage your imagination along with them? In the modern age, adults aren't often allowed instances where they can play - the theatre gives us this opportunity, and Trustus is embracing that idea," says Henderson.

Richmond, whose shows have won the Helen Hayes Award, comes to Trustus with an abundance of experience. From Washington D.C. to the NYC Company Aquila, Richmond is connected to Trustus' production of Marie Antoinette in several ways. "I'm attracted to the play because it connects two things I'm interested in: history and bringing theatre into the 21st century. This period of European history is a fascinating combination of power, violence, revolution and failure...the foundations of a great night of theatre," says Richmond.

Opening night for Marie Antoinette is Friday, September 18 at 8:00 pm. Other shows are Saturday, September 19 at 8:00 pm, Sunday, September 20 at 3:00pm, Thursday, September 24 at 7:30pm, Friday, September 25 at 8:00 pm, Saturday, September 26 at 8:00 pm, Sunday, September 27 at 3:00 pm, Thursday, October 1 at 7:30 pm, Friday, October 2 at 8:00 pm, and Saturday, October 3 at 8:00 pm. Tickets are available at the Trustus box office or online at trustus.org. Box office hours are Tuesday-Saturday from 1-6 pm (2-6 pm Wednesday-Friday). Tickets are $30 for adults, $28 for seniors, $28 for military and $20 for students. For more information and updates, visit www.trustus.org.