Glass Mind Theatre to Present FALLBEIL, 11/15-24

"FALLBEIL creates a world that's, thought-provoking, and entertaining," says Alexander Scally, director of Glass Mind Theatre's opening production of SEASON 4: NATIONAL BOHEMIA. "In my opinion, this style of work creates the most profound theatrical experience."

In Liz Maestri's historical fantasy, Nazi resister Sophie Scholl connects across the ages with Else, the sister of a recent war vet. The two peer into each others' lives as they must face life-altering choices and their effects - and there's no turning back. Faillbeil debuted at this year's Capital Fringe Festival; GMT will produce an excerpt at the Charm City Fringe 7pm on Wednesday, November 6 at Baltimore Theatre Project (45 West Preston Street) at 7:00pm. Visit http://www.charmcityfringe.com for more information.

"FALLBEIL's core is universal," says Scally, who serves as Glass Mind's Community Engagement Director. "The call to action, finding your identity, fighting for your beliefs, and coping with loss. I believe Baltimore has a level of support and opportunity for young people to explore these aspects of themselves." he says of the work. "We like to foster and grow, and work through challenges and struggles. There are a great deal of people committed to building a future for their communities."

Scally describes the play as a departure for Glass Mind, but also familiar. "FALLBEIL is a journey of strength, heartbreak, and bravery, told through memory and movement. We see these characters grow and transform in an imaginary world that is deeply influenced by real history." The company maintains their values of telling a story in a visually powerful way, with a creative team of actors and designer. "You know when you celebrate Thanksgiving in a different city?! It's kinda like that."

Sophie Scholl was a real-life member of the White Rose, which was a German intellectual, nonviolent Nazi resistance group. Playwright Maestri says, "I'm obsessed with the way her mind worked, her short life, her ideals, and her relationship with nature." Maestri distills the show to its core: "Bravery in the face of terror and ultimate loss."

"Baltimore has a wealth of history that's both joyful and tragic," Scally says, about the play's place among Baltimore residents. "We are a city that's filled with pride and resilience."

Maestri hopes to give people strength to the contemporary Baltimore audience. "I think we all have a brave, self-sufficient soldier-being living in us somewhere, and--especially as women--it's good to remember that we can stand up and take our lives into our own hands, even if it hurts." She also takes a look at the struggles. "Every day, we have to make decisions about how we're going to live, what we say to people, and who we hurt and help. Hopefully this play will inspire positive actions."

Maestri began writing sketches that turned into the play three years ago. "It's a tough script, and I'm grateful to have worked on it with so many smarties over the years. " In 2011, she received assistance from director Clementine Thomas and dramaturg Elissa Goetschius - now the Artistic Director at The Strand Theater - where the play will first run in Baltimore. Goetschius directed Glass Mind's A Midsummer Night's dream, last autumn. FALLBEIL had a few readings and was picked up by Field Trip Theatre, with whom Maestri further developed the show in 2013, and who produced the show at Capital Fringe.

FALLBEIL runs at The Strand Theater (1823 N. Charles Street) opening November 15 and closing November 24. Friday and Saturday performances begin at 8PM, and Sunday shows will start at 2PM. Tickets are available at www.glassmindtheatre.com and at 443-475-0223.