Photo Flash: The Strand Presents THE MAI

The Strand Theater proudly presents The Mai by Marina Carr. The Mai runs at the Strand Theater from April 16 - May1, 2010. This will mark the last show of the Strand's second season.

Based loosely on Electra by Sophocles, The Mai takes place present day in the midlands of Ireland. Marina Carr focuses many of her plays around family and motherhood; The Mai is no exception. The Mai's unyielding ambition drives away her beloved husband, Robert, and distances the ones she loves. The character, The Mai, is surrounded by her two sisters, two aunts, and opium smoking Grandma during much of the play. The play is narrated by her daughter, Millie, who recounts the events that eventually lead up to The Mai's death.

Marina Carr has been criticized by feminists for using the premise of Greek tragedies throughout her work. Many note that Greek tragedies were written by men, for men and are inherently misogynistic. "The Mai is written for a modern audience, it focuses on issues relevant to women today," says director, Jayme Kilburn "The Mai's successes make her husband feel small - so he leaves her. The Mai believes the only way to bring him back is to sabotage her own career. Is Robert right in leaving her? Is she too controlling? Or is he insecure and weak? I embrace the chance to pose these questions to the audience. Women are constantly asked to choose between careers and family. The play is more relevant today than ever."

Blurb - The Mai has always sought an exceptional life. Robert, her cellist husband, has always felt stifled by The Mai's ideals of perfection. After seventeen years he leaves her, whereupon she sets about building a dream house in the hope that he will one day return to her. From her fairytale castle, The Mai waits by the window for her dark-haired prince to return.

About the Strand - The Strand is officially two years old! In the Strand's short tenure there have been many successes. Over the last two years the Strand has produced eight full-length season plays (all Baltimore premieres), began a 6 week festival of new work, assisted small companies with gifted space, offered 75% of all opportunities within the theater to women, served over 2500 patrons, and played an integral role in the revitalization of Station North Arts & Entertainment District.

The Mai opens Friday, April 16th, 2010 at 8pm. Opening night of The Mai offers a reception prior to the performance with refreshments donated by local restaurants. Following the performance, a talk back will take place with the cast and crew of The Mai.

Tickets are $15. Students, Seniors, and Broke are $10. Tickets can be reserved by calling 443-874-4917 or online at www.strandtheatercompany.org. Enter online code: BROKE to receive discount. Tickets are available one hour prior to each performance at the Strand box office.

The Strand Theater is a community theater dedicated to providing opportunities for women artists, writers, designers and directors. With a focus on producing original works, the Strand hopes to foster a love of theater for a new generation of patrons.