sq product & Goddess Here to Stage HOW I LEARNED TO DRIVE, 10/22-11/14

square product theatre continues its 10th Season with the Professional Boulder Premiere of Paula Vogel's "How I Learned to Drive," presented in collaboration with Goddess Here Productions, in the East Theater at the Dairy Center for the Arts in Boulder, October 22-November 7, and at Buntport Theater in Denver, November 12-14.

Told from the perspective of a survivor of sexual abuse, "How I Learned to Drive" jumps back and forth in time, weaving a rich and complex tale that highlights the ways in which childhood trauma can affect adult experience. Equal parts harrowing and hilarious, the play explores cycles of abuse, the ways in which American culture defines femininity, sexuality, and adolescence, and the power of forgiveness. This complex, poignant, and surprisingly funny play offers no simple solutions: only flawed individuals striving to find meaning in their lives. Part coming of age, part social critique, part driving lesson, and part love story, "How I Learned to Drive" ultimately makes us question what it means to grow up a girl in the vibrant and crumbling landscape that is America.

"For only the second time in our history, we're presenting a play that's been produced in this region before, though it's never been professionally produced in Boulder," said square product Producing Artistic Director Emily K. Harrison. "We chose the play because it's a brilliant and at times hilarious exploration of dysfunctional family dynamics. It really keeps an audience on its toes," Harrison continued. "The play won the Pulitzer - and many other awards - for a reason; it presents a number of challenges for actors and audiences alike and beautifully reveals a complex situation in terms that aren't so black and white," Harrison said.

"I think the play is just as relevant today as it was when it premiered in 1997," Harrison said. "It speaks largely to social messages received by young girls and women about their roles within American culture, and at the same time, presents dynamic, complex characters who struggle with issues that are still very much a part of our world."