Geva's HORNETS' NEST SERIES of Readings to Begin 12/2

Few experiences can ignite a great conversation like a thrilling night in the theatre. The Hornets' Nest series has theatre-goers itching for that conversation.

The Hornets' Nest series of script-in-hand readings with professional actors and directors returns with three plays investigating the most difficult and controversial questions of today. Following each reading, audience members will have the opportunity to engage in open discussion with key figures from the Rochester community. Since its inception in 2007, the Hornets' Nest series of readings has become nationally recognized and lauded as one of the most innovative theatrical initiatives in the country.

The 2013-2014 series opens on December 2 with Gidion's Knot by Johnna Adams. The first Hornets' Nest of the year takes place during a deceptively simple parent teacher conference, when a single mother questions her son's fifth grade teacher about her child's suspension after turning in an intensely emotional writing assignment. Who is responsible for children in our society? What are the roles of teachers and the education system in the social development of children? How do we accommodate freedom of speech for children? The reading of the play will be followed by a conversation about these questions.

Playwright Johnna Adams' plays have been read or produced at Flux Theatre Ensemble in New York; Bootleg Theatre, Unknown Theater, The Blank Theatre and Wordspace in Los Angeles, CA; Write Act Repertory (Hollywood, CA), Rude Guerilla Theater Company (Santa Ana, CA), the Hunger Artists Theatre Ensemble (Fullerton, CA), the Company of Angels (Silver Lake, CA), Moving Arts (Los Angeles, CA), the Lupin Naturist Resort (Los Gatos, CA),. The Bug Theater (Denver, CO), the Women's Theater Company of LA (Los Angeles, CA), O Henry Birthday Club Society (Austin, TX), STAGEStheater (Fullerton, CA), The Curtis Theater (Brea, CA), Chapman College (Orange, CA), Irvine Valley College (Irvine, CA), Fullerton College (Fullerton, CA), the Chicago Dramatists Workshop (Chicago, IL), and DePaul University (Chicago, IL). Her plays Sans Merci, Cockfighters, The Sacred Geometry of S&M Porn and The Angel Eaters Trilogy (Angel Eaters, Rattlers and 8 Little Antichrists) are published by Original Works Publishing. Ms. Adams graduated from the DePaul University Theatre School in 1995 and will be attending Hunter College's MFA Playwriting Program in the Fall.

The reading is directed by Amanda Friou. Following the reading of Gidion's Knot, audience members will have the opportunity to discuss the questions that the play poses with a panel of members of the community brought together specifically for this event.

Play readings are at 7:00pm in the Fielding Nextstage. Tickets are free and, due to the popularity of this series, are limited to two per person. Reservations are recommended. Due to anticipated demand, all unclaimed tickets will be released at 6:45pm on the day of performance. Patron discretion is advised: plays deal with adult subject matter. To reserve tickets phone the Box Office: (585) 232-Geva (4382) or reserve online at www.gevatheatre.org.

Leadership support for the Hornet's Nest is provided by Jack and Barbara Kraushaar, The Mary S. Mulligan Charitable Trust, New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature, and The New York State Council for the Humanities.

The Hornets' Nest series continues with The Envelope by Alex Lewin on February 3, directed by Sean Daniels. The final play in the series will be announced at a later date.

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