Rattlestick Playwrights Theater Artistic Director Helms INTELLIGENCE, Starting Tonight in D.C.

Daniella Topol, the new artistic director of Rattlestick Playwrights Theater, heads down to Washington, D.C. to direct the world premiere of Jacqueline E. Lawton's new political thriller Intelligence set for Arena Stage, tonight, February 24, through April 9.

Intelligence is a fictionalized account of a covert operative who, tasked with protecting the national security of the United States post-9/11, is racing to find weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. With her country at war, her cover is blown and the lives of her assets are put in jeopardy. Inspired by true events, Intelligence follows one woman's journey to serve her country, protect her family and fight for the truth and justice.

The production features Tony Award nominee Hannah Yelland (Broadway's Brief Encounter) as Valerie Plame and Lawrence Redmond (Arena Stage's All the Way) as her husband Joseph Wilson.

Ms. Topol was appointed Artistic Director of Rattlestick Playwrights Theatre last May.

Ms. Topol's recent world premiere directing credits include Martyna Majok's Ironbound (Rattlestick/Women's Project, Steppenwolf, RoundHouse), Cori Thomas' When January Feels Like Summer (Ensemble Studio/P73/WP), Jessica Dickey's Charles Ives Take Me Home (Rattlestick), Catherine Treischmann's How the World Began (South Coast Repertory, Women's Project), Lloyd Suh's Jesus in India (Magic Theatre, Ma-Yi Theater), Rachel Bonds' Five Mile Lake (South Coast Rep), Rajiv Joseph's Monster at the Door (Alley Theatre).

The creative team for Intelligence includes set designer Misha Kachman, costume designer Ivania Stack, lighting designer Kathy A. Perkins, original music and sound design by Jane Shaw, and projection designer Jared Mezzocchi.

Ms.Topol's current production at Rattlestick, co-produced with Page 73. is Basil Kreimendahl's memory play, Orange Julius, directed by Dustin Wills. It runs through February 12.

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