Cast And Creative Team Announced For THE REVOLUTIONISTS At TCA

The Bridge Initiative and Tempe Center for the Arts present the southwestern premiere of The Revolutionists by Lauren Gunderson, December 7-15. This offering will be the first full production run for Tempe-based nonprofit The Bridge Initiative, and features local talent on and offstage, with a focus on female-identifying artists.

In the era of #MeToo, "50/50 by 2020" initiatives, and conversations of gender equity, Gunderson's play is timely and biting, in spite of its historic backdrop. Contemporary language and contemporary sensibilities collide with the past as Gunderson imagines the meeting of four hyperreal women during the French Revolution's Reign of Terror. As the historical figure playwright Olympe de Gouges struggles to find her voice, she is visited by assassin Charlotte Corday, Caribbean abolitionist Marianne Angelle, and former queen Marie Antoinette. Through comedy, The Revolutionists explores violence and legacy, feminism and terrorism, as well as art and how to change the world. Though her work is rarely seen on Valley stages, Gunderson is the most-produced living playwright in America this year.

Debra K. Stevens directs the company of four actors: Lucy Atkins, Shae Kennedy Leonard, Maren Mascarelli, and Sasha Wordlaw. The offstage team includes stage manager Sarah Chanis, production manager Kathleen Dooner, scenic designer Kara Thomson, costume designer Adle Smithson, hair/makeup designer Lindsey Gardner-Penner, lighting designer Kara Ramlow, sound designer Christopher Neumeyer, props designer Natalie Ward, and technical director Kristen Peterson. Bridge Initiative artistic director Brenda Jean Foley says, "We have assembled a dream team for our first fully produced outing and I could not be more proud of our collaborators and partnership with Tempe Center for the Arts enabling this important work."

Show schedule and tickets available at Tempe Center for the Arts box office, 700 W. Rio Salado, Tempe, AZ 85281, www.tempecenterforthearts.com, and by phone (480) 350-2822.

The Bridge Initiative incubates and celebrates professional female theatre artists, promoting gender parity across all theatrical disciplines.

Tempe Center for the Arts celebrities creativity at the highest levels, drawing visitors as well as regional and national attention. Performances, activities, special events, adult, and exhibit programs and community outreach promote diversity and inclusion.

MISSION: Tempe Center for the Arts is making waves in the desert by embracing art in all forms and all voices.