Spotlight Series Free Staged Readings Continue At The Public Theatre This May

The Public Theater (Artistic Director Oskar Eustis, Executive Director Andrew D. Hamingson) will continue to present FREE staged readings of new plays by the inaugural class of the Emerging Writers Group in May. The "Spotlight Series," which combines first-rate theatrical talent with new works written and developed by members of the Emerging Writers Group during their time at The Public, will present new works by Don Nguyen, Alejandro Morales, and Aladdin Ullah, to be directed by Joanna Settle, Ken Rus Schmoll and Hal Brooks, respectively.

This annual program targets playwrights at the earliest stages of their careers and nurtures their artistic growth by providing necessary resources and support. Each play will receive two staged readings, one at 3 p.m. and one at 7 p.m., directed and performed by experienced artists from the theatrical community. Tickets are free and may be reserved in advance by calling (212) 967-7555.

The full schedule for May is below; complete information on future dates will be available closer to the date of each reading at www.publictheater.org.

EMERGING WRITERS GROUP SPOTLIGHT SERIES SCHEDULE - MAY 2009

Monday, May 4

3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

RED FLAMBOYANT
Written by Don Nguyen

Directed by Joanna Settle

In the midst of starting the first support group for women living with HIV/AIDS in Vietnam, Mrs. Hue struggles to mediate the conflicting personalities of the spirited women that have joined. But just as the women are learning to live together in relative peace, money and medicine begin to run out. To fight for the group's survival, Mrs. Hue has no choice but to venture out into the very world that has shunned them.

Monday, May 11

3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

THE OCTOBER CRISIS (TO LAURA)
Written by Alejandro Morales

Directed by Ken Rus Schmoll

1962. On the eve of the Cuban Missile Crisis, a mysterious telegram and an old song send singer Marguerite Stone back to her fated 1945 debut in a Havana nightclub where she changed her name, left her old life behind, and became a star. As an uncertain future looms over the world, Marguerite must reconcile the two parts of herself that have been at war with each other for years.

Monday, May 18

3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

INDIO
Written by Aladdin Ullah

Directed by Hal Brooks

When comedian Aladdin reaches a crossroads in his career, he discovers the journey of his father who left Bangladesh in the 1940's to pursue his "American Dream" in Spanish Harlem of all places! His father's misadventures in the land of opportunity are juxtaposed with Aladdin's own perspective as a funny man of both Eastern and Western descent.

The Emerging Writers Group strengthens The Public's commitment to creating an artistic home for diverse and exceptionally talented up-and-coming playwrights. The Emerging Writers Group is one element of The Public Writers Initiative, a long-term program that provides key support and resources for writers at every stage of their careers. Time Warner is the Founding Sponsor of The Public Writers Initiative.

Each emerging writer receives a one-year fellowship at The Public which includes a $3,000 stipend; participation in a biweekly writers' group led by Associate Artistic Director Mandy Hackett and The Public's Literary Department; master classes with established playwrights; career development advice and artistic support from acclaimed writers and Public artistic staff; complimentary tickets to Public shows and supplemental stipends for productions at other theaters; and presentation of their work in at least one reading at The Public.

2010 Emerging Writers Group application guidelines will be available in late spring 2009. Check www.publictheater.org/artists/emergingwriters.php regularly for details on applying for the next cycle of this program.

Spotlight Series will run through Monday, June 29, with two presentations of each play: one at 3 p.m. and one at 7 p.m. Check www.publictheater.org for up-to-date casting and schedule information.

The Public Theater is located at 425 Lafayette Street. Tickets are free and can be reserved at (212) 967-7555 or by visiting the Public Theater box office.