Blackfriars Theatre Presents WHEN WE WERE YOUNG AND UNAFRAID

Blackfriars Theatre presents the Regional Premiere of Sarah Treem's powerful new drama: When We Were Young & Unafraid. The year is 1972, before Roe v. Wade and the Violence Against Women Act. Agnes has turned her quiet bed and breakfast into one of the few spots where victims of domestic violence can seek refuge. This work debuted in 2014 with Zoe Kazan (The Big Sick, Revolutionary Road) playing this story's protagonist, Mary Ann.

"I'm always looking for a challenge and this is one of the most interesting and difficult pieces of theatre I have ever tackled," notes director Kerry Young. "Every rehearsal is an exhilarating experience as we delve into the complex issues of feminism, domestic abuse, searching for identity, and how to find humor in dark places. Working on this show has been an intimate exploration of what it means to be a woman in American society. Sarah Treem's complex and intelligent text is as eye opening as it is familiar."

This piece brings forward a number of challenging issues that are prevalent in the Rochester community and beyond. Blackfriars is thrilled to be partnering with two community agencies that will participate in panel discussions after two of the Sunday performances. The first being RESTORE Sexual Assault Services, who provides support and advocacy to victims of sexual violence. The second is Willow Domestic Violence Center, an agency that provides counseling, hotline, and residential services to victims of abuse. Facilitating the panel discussion will be Jodi Beckwith and Allison Roberts from Impact Interactive, a theatre-based training company that uses interactive theatre techniques to tackle a variety of challenging topics

"The issues addressed in Sarah Treem's play are incredibly poignant and timely," says Blackfriars's Artistic & Managing Director, Danny Hoskins. "When we chose this piece a year and a half ago, these issues were floating in and out of the national dialogue. Fast forward to today and not only are we still circling the conversation about Women's Rights, we find that these themes and issues are at the heart of the debate."

The When We Were Young & Unafraid cast includes Nancy Berg (Agnes), Abby Kate Herron (Mary Ann), Misty Lynn Macey (Hannah), Colin Pazik (Paul), and Alexis Weber (Penny). The play is directed by Kerry Young.

When We Were Young & Unafraid is presented with sponsorship support from Parisi & Bellavia, LLP, with additional support from 2017-2018 Media Sponsor CITY Newspaper.

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