World Premiere Reading of RUSTBELT:2014 Comes to Virginia

In the hills of West Virginia 2014, a spill of Methylcyclohexanemethanol (a coal washing agent) compromised the water of 300,000 residents. The coldest day of the winter reaped the 'largest chemical spill in American history' which was conveniently swept under the rug, the physical affects still plague the residents. RUSTBELT:2014 is inspired by these events, creating a fictitious world riddled with satire and mixed with multi-media. In RUSTBELT: 2014 a toxic spill is a stark backdrop to a love story set in 'Chemical Valley', an unexpected humanity arises from the page. Twenty years from where we last left the characters, an underground dance movement continues to drive the action of this twisted fantasia. The EPA (Sara Heifetz) makes a decisive return to the small town where our environmental heroine, Sheila Withers (Matthew Shofner) is heading the local branch of HUD (Housing and Urban Development). A pig farmer (Chandler Hubbard) is to blame for the disappearance of Rookie, which has shaken his lover Donnie (Vinnie Gonzalez) to the core, Rookie's sister (Katrinah Carol Lewis) seeks justice for her lost brother, fighting her own physical and emotional manifestations from the water contamination.

Hovering over them all is Harry G. Bucks (Foster Solomon), a complete moron and disgrace to the environment and his community. Archtypes and anti-heroes wrestle with ideals, policy, community and corruption in this reading directed by Susan M. Gardner. This work hopes to give voice to those in America living with inadequate drinking water, which disrupts a sense of place and shatters communities. Damon W. Arrington, the playwright and a professional Landscape Designer, will present his design strategy for chemical superfund sites after the reading and will be taking questions from the community about the approach.

***In an attempt to create meaningful dialogues, architects, engineers, actors, social workers, music professionals, community members and environmental/ sustainability professionals have been interviewed and have participated in the creation of this Eco-conscious play.***

Fifth Wall Theatre presents:

A staged reading of RUSTBELT: 2014

The Third Installment of The Water Trilogy Plays

Monday, November 20th
*World Premiere
The Hofheimer Building
http://www.hofheimerbuilding.com

2818 W Broad St, RVA
Doors at 7:00, reading at 7:30pm
$12, general admission

$10 5th Wall subscribers

www.5thwalltheatre.org

www.damonarrington.com