Michael Cumpsty Stars/Directs Auden Benefit Poem Reading

Affinity Company Theater in association with The Poetry Society of America will present two dramatic performances of the masterful poem, W. H. Auden's, For the Time Being: A Christmas Oratorio in honor of the poet's centenary. 

"Written in 1942 when the world was at war, this Christmas parable juxtaposes private meanings and religious liturgy, with a result that is simultaneously audacious and devotional," explain press notes. Directed and performed by Michael Cumpsty, featuring Craig Baldwin, Herb Foster, Jennifer Ikeda, George Morfogen, Michael Potts, Paul David Story, and Maria Tucci.  

In the spirit of the holidays, each performance will benefit a non-profit program: Sunday, December 9 at 7:30PM, Classic Stage Company (136 East 13th Street) www.classicstage.org or call 212-352-3101, benefit for Classic Stage Company's Young Artist Development Program in collaboration with The Playwright's Realm; Monday, December 10 at 7:30PM, Symphony Space: Leonard Nimoy/Thalia (2537 Broadway at 95th Street) www.symphonyspace.org or call 212-864-5400, benefit for The Poetry Society of America, www.poetrysociety.org.   For more information visit www.affinitycompanytheater.com.

Affinity Company Theater's inaugural project was the critically acclaimed, sold-out production of The National Theatre of Scotland's Black Watch, a co-presentation with St. Ann's Warehouse. This series of performances of For the Time Being reflects ACT's commitment to sustaining a community of artists who create stimulating theater for an audience looking for provocative intellectual challenges, to cultivating new perspectives on our society, and to supporting cultural and social programs that serve New York City.