August Strindberg Rep to Present New Adaptation of TO DAMASCUS, PART 1, 4/18-5/11

An author's spiritual downfall and redemption presents many mysteries in one of Strindberg's greatest plays, reset into Harlem, 1962. August Strindberg Repertory presents a new adaptation of "TO DAMASCUS, PART 1" by August Strindberg, directed by Robert Greer and running April 18 to May 11, 2014.

"To Damascus, Part 1" (1889-1901) is a forerunner of theatrical expressionism and a true theatrical representation of a dream, foreshadowing styles to be seen later in Strindberg's "The Dream Play" (1902) and "The Ghost Sonata" (1907).

The Stranger, an author in mid-career, has been living from hand-to-mouth, desperate for funds from his publisher, when he runs off with another man's wife. His conscience punishes him for this and other matters dating back to his childhood.

The drama probes into depths where problems of God, death and eternity become terrifying realities. Rich in symbolism, it casts a unique spell on its audience who, like its protagonist, cannot tell reality from unreality while in its grasp.

The play is adapted to Harlem, 1962 by director/translator Robert Greer and actor/adapter Nathan James, who holds the August Wilson playwright's fellowship this year.

Don't miss this first installment of Strindberg's famous autobiographical trilogy. August Strindberg Rep will present Part 2 in March, 2015 and Part 3 in 2016. It will be the first time the trilogy will have been presented complete in any language in 99 years!

WITH:
DeSean Stokes*, Kersti Bryan*, Nathan James*, Victor Arnez, Carol Carter, Victoria Blankenship and Allen Kennedy.

Set design by Angelina Margolis
Projection graphics by Donna Miskend
Lighting designer by Miriam Crowe
Costume design by Kate DaRocha
Sound design by Andy Evan Cohen

The August Strindberg Repertory Theatre was founded in honor of Sweden's great playwright and is committed to production of his best, and less often performed, plays in new translations and interpretations that illuminate the plays for today's American audience. It is the resident company at the Gene Frankel Theatre.

DETAILS

APRIL 18 TO MAY 11, 2014
GENE FRANKEL THEATRE
24 BOND STREET
(between Bowery and Lafayette, East Village)
Presented by August Strindberg Repertory Theatre
in association with Theater Resources Unlimited.

Previews April 18 and 19 (8:00 PM),
Opens April 20 (1:30 PM)
Runs through May 11:
Thur through Sat at 8:00 PM and Sun at 1:30 PM.
$18 general admission; seniors and students $12
Box office: 212-868-4444; www.smarttix.com
Company's website: www.strindberg.org

Running time: 150 mins. (incl. 15 min. intermission).

CRITICS ARE INVITED ON OR AFTER APRIL 20.