Redcat Presents MARK Z. DANIELEWSKI: THE FIFTY YEAR SWORD 10/31

Critically acclaimed LA-based author of House of Leaves Mark Z. Danielewski creates a special treat for Halloween: a collaborative 90-minute theatrical presentation of his limited-edition, illustrated ghost story The Fifty Year Sword, which has never before received a reading or appeared in print in the U.S. Of a past reading from the author's breakout novel House of Leaves, the Los Angeles Times wrote "[Danielewski] performed a five-minute portion of House of Leaves with Poe at a Dallas rock concert, a reading interrupted by a roaring, stadium-size standing ovation." Mark Z. Danielewski: The Fifty Year Sword will take place at REDCAT on Sunday, October 31, 2010 at 7:00 pm.

An autumn story told through five different voices, The Fifty Year Sword blends the oldest traditions with Danielewski's singular innovations. The chills begin on a late October evening at an East Texas ranch when Chintana, a seamstress recovering from a painful divorce, encounters a shadowy caped Story Teller recounting for five orphans a tale of revenge, a harrowing quest, and a terrible sword, which everyone soon realizes waits before them, concealed in a long black box, honed for new crime.

Originally released in The Netherlands on October 31, 2005 in English and Dutch, the English printing was limited to 1,000 and has become a collector's piece rarely found in the U.S. This Halloween, The Fifty Year Sword will receive its official U.S. debut with an unabridged reading at REDCAT. Danielewski will be joined by four special guest performers bringing to life the five narrating voices, as well as theater artist Christine Marie who will cast large scale cinematic shadow effects and sound designer John Zalewski conjuring an evening of whispering voices and the intricacies of malice foretold and retold.

After the performance Danielewski will join patrons in the lobby for a book signing. A limited number of copies of 2nd edition The Fifty Year Sword will be available for purchase at the event for $50.

Mark Z. Danielewski: The Fifty Year Sword will be held at REDCAT on Sunday, October 31, 2010. Curtain for the event is 7:00 pm. All tickets are $15 general admission ( $12 for students with current I.D.) and are available at www.redcat.org or by calling 213 237-2800. REDCAT is located at the corner of W. 2nd and Hope Streets, inside the Walt Disney Concert Hall complex (631 West 2nd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012).