THE AMERICA PLAYS Set to Premiere at Mount Auburn Cemetery

Announcing the world premiere of the The America Plays, the second series of site-specific short plays by Mount Auburn Cemetery's Artist-in-Residence, playwright Patrick Gabridge. The America Plays will run from September 12-22, 2019, for 11 performances at Mount Auburn Cemetery, 580 Mt. Auburn Street, Cambridge, MA. These five plays present a journey through the American experience, highlighting the drama and philosophies of the men and women who struggled to find their place in this nation as the American identity was being formed. Hear the voices of sculptors Edmonia Lewis and Martin Milmore; strong women like Harriot Kezia Hunt and Charlotte Cushman who sought new opportunities beyond the social norms of their time; and an immigrant story highlighting some of Mount Auburn's Armenian "residents" and the community concentrated in Watertown. Audiences will experience the performances outdoors, at various spots across the grounds, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the natural world. Seating is provided and free on-site parking is available. Tickets for The America Plays are $35 per person ($30 for members) at www.mountauburn.org/the-america-plays or by calling 617-607-1980.

"The America Plays raise questions about American identity and who we include and who we don't include in our story," said Playwright Patrick Gabridge. "These are stories of race, gender identity, immigration, and how they play out in America in the late 19th and early 20thCenturies. I hope audiences will take away a new sense of understanding of who we are as Americans and how we continue to write our collective story today."

The America Plays will run for 11 performances over two weekends: Two shows on Thursday, Sept. 12 at 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm; two shows on Saturday, Sept 14 & 21 and Sunday, Sept 15 & 22 at 1:00 and 5:00 pm, and one show on Thursday, Sept. 19 at 5:00 pm. The entire performance will run for approximately 90 minutes and will include walking within the Cemetery on paved and unpaved surfaces and steep inclines; total walking distance approx. 2 miles. Shows will run rain or shine. After each performance is an optional moderated discussion with the playwright, director, actors or an expert on a person or topic explored in the plays.

All plays will be fully staged outdoors on the Cemetery grounds, Directed by Courtney O'Connor. The cast of The America Plays includes professional actors from Boston and beyond featuring: Ken Baltin*, Amanda Collins*, Karen MacDonald*, Robert Najarian*, Sarah Newhouse*, Mathew C. Ryan, and Cheryl Singleton*. (*Denotes member of Actor's Equity Association). Costume design by Amanda Mujica, Sound design by Arshan Gailus. Produced by Plays In Place.

Photo Credit: Corinne Elicone