THE DARK THINGS Launches Irish Rep's 2010-11 New Works Readings Series 9/24

The Irish Repertory Theatre Company launches the fifth season of its NEW WORKS READING SERIES to support new plays and emerging playwrights with a free staged reading of Ursula Rani Sarma's THE DARK THINGS -- a new play that was produced last fall at the Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh -- on Friday, September 24 at 3:00pm at the Irish Repertory Theatre (132 West 22nd Street). As part of its mission statement, the company "encourages the development of new works focusing on the Irish and Irish American experience, as well as a range of other cultures."

The cast of THE DARK THINGS includes Michael Cerveris (IN THE NEXT ROOM OR THE VIBRATOR PLAY, ROAD SHOW); Eisa Davis (PASSING STRANGE, ANGELA'S MIXTAPE); Annie Parisse (Becky Shaw, PRELUDE TO A KISS); Adam Rothenberg (THE RETRIBUTIONISTS, THE WOODEN BREEKS); and Paul Sparks (DUSK RINGS A BELL, LADY, "Broadway Empire").

In THE DARK THINGS, Daniel is famous. He has walked away from disaster and turned it into art. As he prepares for the ultimate exhibition of his life, the headlines proclaim him unbreakable. But inside, Daniel is falling apart. LJ has always been a survivor, in total command of her emotions. Since being bound to Daniel by a freak accident, she can't quite seem to get her heart under control. Steph wants to be special, to have her photo in the paper for once, and not just because
she is Daniel's sister. Can Karl, who claims to be in "production," invent a future where they both get recognized? Gerry is just holding on. Once an eminent psychiatrist, his methods of healing are at odds with what his profession will tolerate. How can he save Daniel when he can barely help himself? As the destinies of these five lost souls collide, they discover themselves and each other.

Playwright Ursula Rani Sarma is a writer from the West of Ireland of Irish/Indian descent. Her plays include RIOT (ACT, San Francisco and Theatre Royal Bath); THE DARK THINGS (Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh - Best New Play and Best Production, Critics Awards for Scottish Theatre, 2009); THE MAGIC TREE (Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Dublin Fringe Festival and the Cork Midsummer Festival); THE SPIDER MEN (National Theatre and UK Tour); BLUE (Project Theatre Dublin, Theatre
503, London and Cork Opera House); WHEN THE WAR CAME (New Theatre Company, London); TOUCHED (Asylum Theatre Co, Cork); ORPHEUS ROAD (Paines Plough, Theatre); and GIFT (Belltable Theatre, Limerick). Her radio plays include A TINY LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS (BBC Radio 3); THE
FISHERMAN (RTE Radio 1,) and CAR FOUR (BBC Radio 3) and her work for TV includes an episode of RTE's hit series "Raw." Other work includes a translation of Italian Playwright Luca De Bei's play THE DOGS THAT FACE THE HARE for the National Theatre, a collection of poetry and work for the screen, including an adaptation of THE DARK THINGS currently in development with The Bureau Film Company London. Ursula is working on an adaptation of Lorca's YERMA which will premiere at
the West Yorkshire Playhouse in March 2011. Ms. Sarma is also currently under commission to the Traverse Theatre, The Irish Film Board and The Abbey Theatre, Dublin.

The playwright's participation with the reading is sponsored by Culture Ireland.

Irish Repertory Company's upcoming BANISHED CHILDREN OF EVE - a play by Kelly Younger, adapted from Peter Quinn's bestselling novel about Civil War in New York - was initially read as part of the 2009-2010 New Works Reading Series. Directed Ciarán O'Reilly, the play will have its world premiere at Irish Repertory Theatre, with previews beginning October 13, prior to an official press opening October 24.

Literary Manager Kara Manning hopes that the reading series will "give playwrights, both emerging and more established, the invaluable opportunity to develop their new work in a supportive, safe
environment and will also introduce some Irish playwrights, especially those who might not yet have the New York recognition they merit, to an American audience." The Irish Repertory Theatre's 2007 production of Stuart Carolan's DEFENDER OF THE FAITH was an alumnus of the 2006 New Works Reading Series.

Charlotte Moore is Artistic Director of the Irish Repertory Theatre Company; Ciarán O'Reilly is Producing Director.

The 2010-2011 New Works Reading Series is underwritten in part by Alexis Doyle, Patricia Smith, and the members of our Patron's Circle.

The NEW WORKS READING SERIES has upcoming readings on October 29 and December 17. There is no November reading. Readings are at 3:00pm unless otherwise noted and are located at The Irish Repertory Theatre (132 West 22nd Street).

Tickets are free and the reading is open to the public. Seating is limited. RSVP online at www.irishrep.org or by calling The Irish Repertory Theatre Box Office at (212) 727-2737. For more information visit www.irishrep.org.

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