Mitchell Directs Free 'Wirehead' Reading, with Hamilton

Ars Nova presents, as part of its free Out Loud reading series, Wirehead, written by Matthew Benjamin and Logan Brown.  Directed by John Cameron Mitchell, Wirehead will be read by a cast that includes Michael Aronov and Josh Hamilton (The Coast of Utopia) on Monday, June 25 at 7 PM at Ars Nova (511 West 54th Street). 
 
When the development of an intercranial implant that increases human intelligence exponentially creates an economic, social and mental chasm between the "haves" and the "have nots", two white-collar workers push their moral limitations to survive in a world that is rapidly leaving them behind. 
 
Benjamin and Brown's first play, How To Act Around Cops, premiered at the New York International Fringe Festival, where it won Best Play in 2003. It was then produced at the Edinburgh International Fringe Festival where it won a Fringe First. From there, How To Act Around Cops transferred to London's Soho Theater where it garnered a Critic's Pick in Time Out London. It has also been produced in Los Angeles, Chicago and Dublin.
 
Mitchell wrote and starred in the Off-Broadway musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch, for which he won an Obie Award. He directed the film adaptation for which he received the Best Director Award at the Sundance Film Festival and a Golden Globe nomination as Best Actor. He was executive producer of Jonathan Caouette's documentary Tarnation (2004). His latest film is Shortbus (2006), and he has directed music videos for Scissor Sisters and Bright Eyes. He adapted and directed Tennessee Williams' Kingdom of Earth for the Drama Dept Theater Company, of which he is a founding member.  

Wirehead will be read on Monday, June 25 at 7 PM.  The Out Loud Series is free and open to the public.  Reservations are required.  Please call 212-977-1700 or e-mail rsvp@arsnovanyc.com.  Ars Nova is located at 511 West 54th Street.  For more information, check out www.arsnovanyc.org.

Photo of John Cameron Mitchell by Mark Rupp