Bydand Theater to Bring Heart and Music to Unique Stage with YELLOW UMBRELLAS

On Thursday, August 25, at the A-Frame, Bydand Theater Company presents Yellow Umbrellas by Utah playwright Morag Shepherd and directed by Christy Foster.

The play follows Cassandra, a young woman who seeks to reconcile her memories of a childhood game that turned to tragedy. This thought-provoking piece focuses on the blame we place on others and ourselves and the power that comes through forgiveness.

Playwright Morag Shepherd, originally from Scotland, is the current winner of the Plan-B Theatre grant from The David Ross Fetzer Foundation for Emerging Artists and was awarded the Vera Meyhew Hinkley award for playwriting. She is known for her abstract plays and creating a new way of looking at life. The show is composed of the memories and inner thoughts of Cassandra as she navigates the accidental death of her sister, Marie.

"This play has resonated with me in so many ways," said Rachelle Elbert, who plays Cassandra, "and has challenged me, as an actor, to face the reality of human nature. Cassandra's fight for honesty is one we can relate to; because being honest can be painful. When you see the show reflect upon your own life, you may feel healing and inspiration where there was none before."

The A-Frame, located at 883 N 1200 E in Provo, provides the ideal atmosphere for such an intimate show. The space is the home of the A-Frame concert series hosted by Liz and Andrew Maxfield. Bydand will be the first theater company to perform there.

Andrew Maxfield explains, "Liz and I are both musicians and creatives, and we also love playing host. Although we host a monthly music/art/food night, this is our first chance to host Live Theatre-and we're excited."

"We are fortunate enough to perform in this amazing place," said director, Christy Foster, "with incredible actors and local musicians."

Robert Starks and Gary Argyle from Dinosaur Kisses and Justin Duckwitz from Ferocious Oaks provide the dream-like music on stage. It was important to Foster to draw upon local talent for the music, which she has used to create a feeling of familiarity for the audience.

"There are so many talented people here and not enough opportunities to showcase them. I really wanted this to be an artistic collaborative. This show is intimate theater at its best."

IF YOU GO:

Bydand Theater Company

Yellow Umbrellas by Morag Shepherd

When: Th/F/S Aug 25 - Sept 10

Time: 7:30 p.m., doors open at 7

Where: The A-Frame - 883 N 1200 E, Provo, UT 84604

Price: $7, $5 if purchased in advance at bydandtheater.com

Photo by Alisa Haggard - Alexis Boss (Marie) and Rachelle Elbert (Cassandra) in Bydand Theater's Production Yellow Umbrellas