The Abreact Performance Space Presents LA RONDE, 2/4-2/26

The Abreact Performance Space presents the controversial La Ronde, by Arthur Schnitzler, directed by Frannie Shepherd-Bates. The show runs from February 4-26, Friday and Saturdays nights with one Sunday matinee. Admission is by donation. Tickets may be reserved by calling 313-285-0217 or at reservations@theabreact.com.

Boasting a salacious history, La Ronde provides a frank, unflinching window into the psychology of human sexuality. Written in 1897, published in 1903 and first performed in 1920, it caused riots and was censored. Playwright Arthur Schnitzler came under vicious attack and was put on trial for obscenity, a charge of which he was barely acquitted.

The play is no less effective today as it uncovers the hidden motivations and desires that drive people to couple with one another, regardless of social class. Schnitzler's work was so accurate and probing, in fact, that contemporary Sigmund Freud wrote that he had "gained the impression that [Schnitzler had] learned through intuition - though actually as a result of sensitive introspection - everything that I have had to unearth by laborious work on other persons."

La Ronde, or Reigen in German, means "round dance." Ten dialogues form a cycle as characters of varying social classes rotate from scene to scene, engaging in sex and conversation, alternately ignoring and obsessing about the consequences of their actions. By the play's end we realize that mankind's collective obsession with sex and death ties us together inexorably; that it transcends class and gender, rendering us all equals.

The cast includes Stephen Blackwell (Detroit), Kirsten Knisely (Dearborn), Caroline Price (Cape Elizabeth, Maine) and Matthew Turner Shelton (Grosse Pointe). Alan Batkiewicz (Detroit) exhibits his scenic design.

The Abreact Performance Space's production of La Ronde will take place at 1301 W. Lafayette Ave., #113, Detroit 48226. For reservations email reservations@theabreact.com, call 313-285-0217, or make them at the door the day of the performance. Cash or check only. Admission is by donation.

La Ronde will run Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm, with one Sunday matinee at 4 pm on February 20 and a preview on Thursday, February 3. Dates and times are:

Thursday, February 3, at 8 pm (Preview night)

Friday, February 4, at 8 pm

Saturday, February 5, at 8 pm

Friday, February 11, at 8 pm

Saturday, February 12, at 8 pm

Friday, February 18, at 8 pm

Saturday, February 19, at 8 pm

Sunday, February 20, 4 pm

Friday, February 25, at 8 pm

Saturday, February 26, at 8 pm

For additional information on the production of La Ronde, contact 313-285-0217 or visit www.theabreact.com.