Playwrights 6, Open Fist Presents TREACHEROUS BRAIN 5/5

Playwrights 6 and Open Fist Theatre Company are proud to present the world premiere of "Fernando Richardson's Treacherous Brain," which is about a man who, after having brain surgery, begins to passionately proclaim his love for a woman who is not the wife he adores.

Performances are at 8 p.m. every Thursday at the Open Fist Theatre, 6209 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood from May 5 to June 9.

The show will be running in rep with the world premiere "Drive" by Laura Black, also a Playwrights 6-Open Fist co-production, on Wednesdays May 4 through June 8. This is the first time Playwrights 6 and Open Fist have collaborated on productions.

The play, written by Monica Trasandes and directed by Andre Barron, asks the question: if your brain allowed you to express, without filters, all of your thoughts and desires, what secrets would be revealed, even to you?
In a humorous way, it also touches on the longing faced by immigrants, on upper-middle class guilt, and on the particular experiences of couples from different cultures.
Trasandes is originally from Uruguay. She's an Emerson College graduate, a published author and playwright. Her play "Vacation," at the Hudson Theatre, was called, "Private Lives for the 21st century," by the L.A. Weekly. She is a founding member of Playwrights 6.

Barron is a 22-year veteran member of Theatre 40. His many stage credits include directing Rosen's Son by Joe Pintauro (Critic's Choice, LA Times). Barron's regional theatre productions have garnered 10 Drama-Logue awards, 2 Garland Awards, a Robby Award Nomination and 2 Ovation Nominations.

The cast includes Roberto Montesinos as Fernando Richardson, Amy Chaffee, Paula Fins, Lyn Michele Ross, Mark Slater, and Karla Zamudio.

Montesinos' stage credits include "In the Boom Boom Room" at the Whitley Theater and "Gilead" at the Skylight Theatre. He has guest starred on "Southland," "Medium" and "Cold Case." He's had recurring roles on "The Shield" and "Judging Amy." His film credits include the upcoming "We Bought a Zoo" directed by Cameron Crowe, in which he plays Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and is interviewed by Matt Damon's character.

Playwrights 6, founded in 1999, is one of an elite group of playwright-managed theater companies in Los Angeles. Playwrights 6 productions have earned nominations or awards from such organizations as L.A. Weekly Theatre Awards, BackStage West Garland Awards, and GLAAD L.A. Outstanding Theatre Awards. Playwrights 6 productions have also made several "Critics Top 10" lists and garnered several "Critic's Picks."

The Open Fist Theatre Company was founded in 1990 by five graduates of Cal State Fullerton. Under the Artistic Directorship of Ziad Hamzeh, the Company immediately established its reputation as a cutting edge ensemble, willing to tackle difficult plays. Under the leadership of present Artistic Director Martha Demson, the company has evolved into a collective, self-producing artistic enterprise with all facets of its operation run by its artist members.

Tickets are $25, with an opening night gala for $35. Discounts (except for opening night) will be available on GoldStar and LAStage Tix. For further information on tickets, please go to www.openfist.org or call (323) 882-6912.

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