Photo Flash: Rehearsals Begin For ECLIPSED At Kirk Douglas Theatre; West Coast Premiere Begins 9/13

Rehearsals are under way for Danai Gurira’s “Eclipsed,” which will be presented by Center Theatre Group as the first production in the 2009-2010 season at the Kirk Douglas Theatre, opening on September 20, 2009, and continuing through October 18.  Previews begin September 13.

“Eclipsed,” a compelling portrait of transformation and renewal, is set in 2003 during Liberia’s vicious civil war and follows the lives of a rebel commanding officer’s “wives” as the women form a tightly-knit community and struggle for a degree of humanity in a hostile war zone. Their world is soon affected, however, by the arrival of two newcomers and the unceremonious return of a former “wife” turned rebel soldier.

At once chilling and humanizing, “Eclipsed” dives deep into the wreckage of war and finds with surprising humor and compassion how each woman navigates, and at times, defies, the most hostile of circumstances in order to survive.

Danai Gurira, the Obie Award-winning actress and writer whose “In the Continuum” played at the Douglas in 2006, reunites with director Robert O’Hara to bring the West Coast premiere of her latest work to Los Angeles audiences.

The cast of “Eclipsed” features (in alphabetical order) Edwina Findley, Miriam F. Glover, Michael Hyatt, Kelly M. Jenrette and Bahni Turpin.

The set design is by Sibyl Wickersheimer, costume design by Alex Jaeger, lighting design by Christopher Kuhl, sound design by Adam Phalen and Kathryn Bostic is the composer.  Casting is by Bonnie Grisan, and the production stage manager is Amy Bristol Brownewell.

Tickets for “Eclipsed” are available by calling (213) 628-2772, online at www.CenterTheatreGroup.org, in person at the Center Theatre Group box office at the Ahmanson Theatre or two hours prior to performances at the Kirk Douglas Theatre box office.   The Kirk Douglas Theatre is located at 9820 Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232.

Photos by Craig Schwartz

Miriam F. Glover, Banhi Turpin, Kelly M. Jenrette, Michael Hyatt, and Edwina Fiendley

Danai Gurira

Bahni Turpin and Miriam F. Glover