GAN-e-meed Theatre Project Presents SILENCE, 12/2

GAN-e-meed Theatre Project announces the final play of their inaugural 2010 season, Moira Buffini's 'Silence,' a modern Dark Ages comedy of power, gender, identity, and desire, at the Elizabeth Peabody House in Somerville, directed by SerahRose Roth (Producing Artistic Director).

Following on the heels of their acclaimed all-female 'Hamlet,' 'Silence' continues the exploration of power in gender. "GAN-e-meed started with a strong and powerful mission, and in this first year, we're further grounding and defining ourselves" says Artistic Director Roth. "This first season has really reflected this identity exploration, beginning with Hamlet."

A comedy set in the Dark Ages of England, 'Silence' tells the story of Ymma, a bitter Norman noblewoman banished to England and forced to marry 14-year-old lordling, Silence, who is worth far more than he seems. After an unexpected stand-off with the despotic King Ethelred, the two lovers--joined by Ymma's innocent servant Agnes, Roger a hapless priest, and Eadric, a soldier with an eye for radiance-embark on a journey through power, identity, gender, and desire that will change their lives forever.

Buffini won the 1999 Susan Smith Blackburn Prize for best English-language play by a woman for 'Silence.'  Its New York opening in 2002 prompted The New York Times to call it a "witty, provocative, prizewinning comedy drama...SILENCE deserves to be seen." The Village Voice said "Fun to watch... compelling, taut, and effervescent... the nimble physical comedy is a treat. Buffini's wit triumphs."

Roth continues "I felt drawn to the story of Silence because although it focuses on gender identity and the power-and powerlessness-of women, it's really an ensemble piece that is filled with both female and male stories. It's the journey of six very different people who have all been placed somewhere in life that they're not sure they want to be. They're all looking for who they are, where they are, and what to do to change (or rule) their world. Buffini manages to delve into all these complex issues while injecting this wonderful humor that helps to bring the audience along on the journey."

GAN-e-meed will be one of the first companies to perform in the newly renovated theatre at the Elizabeth Peabody House in Somerville, former home of the Theatre Cooperative. "Erin Scanlon [GAN-e-meed's Board Chair] and I met in this space when we did Our Country's Good with the Theatre Coop" says Roth. "It's exciting to return to it in its new incarnation."

Silence will be the final production of the GAN-e-meed's inaugural 2010 (calendar year) season. This year has included their inaugural production of Hamlet (featuring an all-female cast) which performed in May 2010 in Lowell and Somerville to sell-out audiences, as well as collaborating with other arts organizations for shorter engagements. GAN-e-meed produced Lucy Dreaming, starting Erin Scanlon and directed by SerahRose Roth, as part of FeverFest2010 , in conjunction with STAB (the Small Theatre Alliance of Boston). Ties That Bind, three short plays written, directed, and about women was presented by GAN-e-meed as part of Whistler in the Dark's Second Act Series at the Factory Theatre in February 2010. Funds for Hamlet were partially raised by BOOBFest: Bringing On-Stage Opportunities to Babes, a wildly successful variety show celebration hosted by GAN-e-meed at Boston Playwrights' Theatre. GAN-e-meed also continues to host monthly Networking Nights for Women in Theatre and their supporters, now on the *second* Monday of every month (check www.ganemeed.org for details).

'Silence' will play December 2-18, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm.

GAN-e-meed Theatre Project was founded in 2009 to advance the role of women in theatre: the experienced and novice, young and old, artist and leader. To accomplish this, their seasons are created from shows proposed by female artists (actress, stage manager, designer, playwright, or director). Submission procedures for the 2011 season will be announced soon.. They promote the study of and visibility of gender bias within the theatre community. GAN-e-meed Theatre Project hopes to be the catalyst to establishing gender equity in New England theatre. For additional information about Silence or other GAN-e-meed events, or to join the mailing list, visit c.

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