LOVE LETTERS TO MY CHILDREN Set for Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute, 7/12-14

Love Letters To My Children,a new play by Rotem Weiner selected for the "StrasbergWorks" program, will have three performances at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute from Tuesday July 12 through Thursday July 14 starting at 7:30PM. Charles Ouda directs. The cast features Ita Korenzecher, Ben Rademacher, John Carbone, Francesco Grossi, Terilyn Elise Eisenhauer, Ana Ribeiro and Terence Schweizer.

Set in pre-World War II Milan, Love Letters to My Children is the story of the Salvadi family, a tightly knit Italian Jewish clan whose parents emphasize national identity and bourgeois values over religion. Their sons, however, feel differently. Bruno, the elder son, rocks the family's foundation when he returns from a trip to Israel enamoured with the idea of building a Jewish homeland. The younger son, Marcello, while more obedient, agrees with the passionate ideals expressed by his brother. Shocked at first by Bruno's new commitment to his faith and embarrassed by his pious appearance, Lina, their devoted mother, becomes the buffer between her husband's long determined plans for his sons' futures and Bruno's rebellion toward all that they hold dear. Bruno's attempts to make his mother comprehend the looming danger they face from the rise of Fascism fail to persuade her as the winds of war begin to blow again across Europe.

"StrasbergWorks" is a playwriting program and competition sponsored annually by Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute. Rotem Weiner, this year's winner, is making her playwriting debut with Love Letters to My Children which is based on the diary of her great, great grandmother.

Director Charles Ouda, a native of Kenya, has been acting professionally for twelve years. A musical performer and recording artist, he's been in productions of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat and Fiddler on the Roof. His television credits include the Kenyan TV series Better Days and Makutano Junction. He's directed eight productions with The Phoenix Players including the comedy No Dinner for Sinners.

Love Letters to My Children will run at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute (115 East 15th Street between Union Sq. and Irving Place) in the Strasberg Theatre on the 3rd Floor. Performances are Tuesday July 12, Wednesday July 13 and Thursday July 14 at 7:30PM. Admission is free. Members of the entertainment industry are encouraged to attend. For reservations please e-mail loveletterstomychildren.play@gmail.com.