VATICAN FALLS Gets Staged Reading in NYC This Spring

Vatican Falls, the play by Frank J. Avella that honestly explores one Catholic sex abuse survivor's tumultuous journey, will take part in the 2017 Planet Connections Festivity at the Latea Theater on June 21st. In addition, there will be a pre-Festivity staged reading at TheaterLab on May 15th.

The cast features Alice Barrett Mitchell, Mackian Bauman, Carlotta Brentan, Gregory James Cohan, Gianmarco Colucci, David Farrington, Michael Ford, Yvette King, Derek Martin, Jake Robertson and Ian Whitt. Stage directions will be read by Remington Moses.

Based on factual accounts and events, "VATICAN FALLS" follows the life of one survivor who struggles with understanding how those closest to him could damage him the deepest. The multi-genre, non-linear play probes the conflicting feelings involved in sexual abuse situations and dares to confront the truth about the ever-growing scandal and the Church's complicity in it.

"VATICAN FALLS" was set to have its World Premiere in Rome, Italy in 2011 but was cancelled the night before opening amidst controversy and claims of death threats. This selection follows two successful "Scratch Night" staged readings at Theater for the New City this past February.

Admission to both events is free (suggested donation). To reserve seats for May 15th email: vaticanfalls@gmail.com or call 973-715-2356 and specify the date. TheatreLab is located at 357 W. 36th Street, between 8th & 9th Aves. NYC. The Latea Theater at the Clemente is located at 107 Suffolk Street, NYC.

Frank J. Avella is the recipient of a 2015 Fellowship Award from the NJ State Council on the Arts for his play CONSENT as well as the 2016 Helene Wurlitzer ResidenCy Grant and Chesley/Bumbalo Foundation Playwright Award. The play was a 2012 semifinalist for the O'Neill National Playwrights Conference and was part of the 27th Annual Fullerton College Playwrights Festival this past January. Frank has written 19 full-length plays; 10 have been produced. VATICAN FALLS will have its World Premiere in February of 2018 in Malta. LURED (2016 Dream Up Festival-sold out run, 2017 William Inge Festival PlayLab), about the Russian persecution of gays, was featured in the 2017 William Inge Festival. Other plays: FOR MAMMA, MICHAEL'S #1 FAN (2000 OOB run), THE BUBBLE and ORVILLE STATION, which has been published in the UK by Lazy Bee Scripts. Upon reviewing Frank's farce IRIS, in 2005, the Cincinnati Post wrote: "Avella's plays tend to send earthquakes through his audience's comfort zones." He is a proud member of the Dramatists Guild.

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