Fires in the Mirror begins Jan 28th

By: Steve Leary Jan. 03, 2009

FIRES in the MIRROR begins January 28

16^th Street Theater, a part of the North Berwyn Park District, is proud to announce its production of Anna Deavere Smith’s Fires in the Mirror directed by Artistic Director Ann Filmer. Fires in the Mirror will run January 28 – February 28, 2009 at the Berwyn Cultural Center, with a press opening of Friday January 30^th at 7:30 PM.

Crown Heights, Brooklyn. August 1991. Fires in the Mirror is a stunning exploration through art and journalism of the events and emotions surrounding the 1991 riots. Four diverse women embody 26 of the religious leaders, activists, victims, and residents originally interviewed and performed by Ms. Smith. “Quite simply the most compelling and sophisticated view of urban racial and class conflict that one could hope to encounter.” --New York Times

Director Ann Filmer was honored to receive Ms. Smith’s blessing to produce a four-women version of the play. The production was scheduled to coincide with Ms. Smith’s visit to Chicago on January 27 as part of Columbia College’s Conversations in the Arts: The Founders Lectures.

Anna Deavere Smith

Playwright

Fires in the Mirror

Anna Deavere Smith’s work in the theater explores American character and our multifaceted national identity. She has won numerous awards, among them two Obies, two Tony nominations and a MacArthur fellowship. She is currently University Professor at New York University.

Ms. Smith is founding director of the Institute on the Arts and Civic Dialogue, based at New York University. The institute was originally created at Harvard University. The Institute is dedicated to creating a community of artists, social entrepreneurs, humanitarians and human rights workers who use their varied forms of talent and expertise to solve some of the world’s most pressing problems.

In the theater Ms. Smith is known for looking at controversial events from multiple points of view. Her work combines the journalistic technique of interviewing her subjects with the art of interpreting their words through performance. The New York Times called her “the ultimate impressionist, she does people’s souls.”

She is the author of Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992; Fires in the Mirror; and House Arrest. Her newest play is Let Me Down Easy. Her books include Talk To Me, a book about presidential politics; and Letters to A Young Artist. Television shows include Presidio Med, The West Wing, The Practice, and the upcoming Nurse Jackie. Films include The American President, Dave, and The Human Stain. She is the recipient of the Americans for the Arts National Arts Award and the Mayor’s Award in New York City. She has served as the initial artist-in-residence of the Aspen Institute, the Ford Foundation, and MTV Networks. She has received many honorary degrees, including those from the Juilliard School and Northwestern University, and she is the recipient of the Radcliffe and Barnard College medals. Ms. Smith is on the board of the Museum of Modern Art.

Four women embody 26 characters. They are Kirsten D’Aurelio, Cheri Lynne, Caroline Rau and Miranda Zola. The design team includes Timothy Spencer (scenic design), Mac Vaughey (lighting), Barry Bennett (sound), Samantha Jones (costumes) and Jesse Gaffney (prop design). Stage manager is Jennifer Aparicio with assistant direction by Stephanie Diaz. The play is directed by Ann Filmer. Full bios and photos available at www.16thstreettheater.org

FACT SHEET

FIRES IN THE MIRROR by Anna Deavere Smith

FIRES IN THE MIRROR

by Anna Deavere Smith

Directed by Ann Filmer

WHEN:

January 28 – February 28, 2009

Thursdays & Fridays @ 7:30 PM, Saturdays @ 5:00 & 8:30 PM

NOTE: No 5:00 PM show on Feb 1

Previews:

Wed Jan 28 & Thurs Jan 29 @ 7:30 PM

Press Opening: Friday, Jan 30 @ 7:30 PM

WHERE:

Berwyn Cultural Center, 6420 16^th Street, Berwyn

WHO:

WRITTEN BY: Anna Deavere Smith

DIRECTED BY: Ann Filmer

PERFORMED BY: Kirsten D’Aurelio, Cheri Lynne, Caroline Rau and Miranda Zola.

TO PURCHASE TICKETS:

Tickets now available.

Online – www.16thstreettheater.org

In Person – at North Berwyn Park District, 1619 Wesley Ave., Berwyn

Ticket and Information Hotline – (708) 795-6704

HOW MUCH:

General Admission: $16, Groups of 8+: $12

- Please visit www.16thstreettheater.org -

16^th STREET THEATER is Berwyn’s professional equity theater under the artistic direction of Ann Filmer. 2009 marks its second season. The BERWYN CULTURAL CENTER, a North Berwyn Park District managed facility, is dedicated to providing the highest quality and range of cultural arts programs, classes, workshops, events, and exhibitions providing opportunities for Berwyn residents and area artists. The center will provide year-round programs engaging participants of all ages in visual, performing, literary, martial and media arts and 16th Street Theater’s professional productions. The BCC also will serve as an incubator for emerging artists, artisans, writers, performers and musicians to develop and present new works. The center is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life and sustainability of our local communities by advancing appreciation for the beauty of cultural diversity.

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