Premiere Theatre to Present International Playreading Series This Summer

Premiere Theatre & Performance (PTAP) will present its first annual concert reading series in affiliation with foreign consulates throughout the Chicago-land area. THE INTERNATIONAL VOICES PROJECT will launch in May and June of 2010, with seven concert readings of new international plays, in affiliation with seven Chicago consulates. In collaboration with the Consulates (or their affiliated cultural wings) of Spain, Romania, India, Japan, Canada and other countries, these one night events will provide audiences the opportunity to experience rarely seen plays while creating opportunities for unknown or lesser known scripts and playwrights to be recognized by Chicago theatrical producers.

Curated by PTAP's Artistic Director Patrizia Acerra and Chicago producer/director Brian LaDuca, this first-of-its-kind festival will pair a distinguished Chicago director with an international script and playwright to present a concert reading. "A festival of this kind is unprecedented in Chicago, but for us, it is inspired by the great work of Performing Arts Chicago and the InterNational Theatre Festival, as well as the many theatre companies in Chicago that regularly produce international work", said Acerra.

The process of developing such a fresh and diverse event required Acerra and LaDuca to inquire after interest from various country's cultural departments in Chicago while also acquiring talented leading directors who would not only find the collaboration with a new piece of interNational Theatre challenging, but also be inspired by the distinct message created by the playwright. "The pairing of countries with local Chicago talent has been the most intriguing and demanding part of building this festival from the ground up", states LaDuca. "You want to assure that stylistically the voice of the playwright and the approach of the director are cohesive while at the same time uniquely challenging to each other." Chicago based directors Henry Godinez , Steve Scott, and festival curator Brian LaDuca along with members from Trap Door Theatre (Romania), Rasaka Theatre Company (India), Vitalist Theatre Company and Premiere have all committed to bringing these intriguing works work to life.

"The mission of Premiere is to support the development and production of new work, and it is our hope that this initiative will showcase the vibrant work of these artists, and, ideally, help them secure a production here in Chicago", said Co-Curator Brian LaDuca.

Final dates of the seven week long event will be finalized by mid-March 2010, with readings taking place throughout Chicago. For further information, please contact Premiere Theatre & Performance at info@ptapchicago.org.

Premiere began as The InterNational Theatre of Chicago, and was founded in 2002 by Artistic Director Patrizia Acerra. The scope of the company's mission was developed through her experiences living abroad as an American trained theatre artist. In 2006, the mission of the company was broadened to include American work as well. PTAP has produced over fifteen new plays and original performance pieces, and has had the opportunity to work with distinguished International Artists and their local supporters and consulate staff.

The mission of Premiere Theatre & Performance is to produce director driven new plays and original performance, with a specific focus on international work. For more information, visit: www.ptapchicago.org.

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