Wordsmyth to Host Reading of BEYOND THE PALE

In pre-Revolution Russia, young Jewish women escaping persecution and poverty in the Ukraine and looking for work in Moscow were required to register as prostitutes. In Beyond the Pale, Houston playwright Warren Holleman tells the story of one such woman and the influence she had on her employer's daughter.

This fact is not widely known outside of very niche historical texts, which is one of the reasons Holleman and Wordsmyth found the concept so intriguing. Holleman stumbled upon this shocking narrative, and he became obsessed with sharing it with the world.

Wordsmyth Theater is always on the look-out for bold, new works that deserve a voice; this is one of the criteria of their rigorous selection process. Throughout the year they receive hundreds of new plays, and through a meticulous reading and rating process, they end up with 6 to present throughout their season. Holleman's marks the second reading of the year. His also happens to be the second play this year from a Houston writer, a fact that Wordsmyth is proud of.

Theater regulars will recognize the reading's director Claire Hart-Palumbo from her work acting and directing at Main Street Theatre, among other companies in Houston.

The reading is free and refreshments will be provided.