Muzungu, a New Play by David Myers, Debuts at 4th Street Theatre 10/14-30

Co-Op Theatre East (COTE) and Mixed Phoenix Theatre Group (MPTG) are embarking on their most ambitious project to date, the debut of Muzungu, a thrilling new full-length work from emerging playwright David Myers, directed by COTE Co-Artistic Director Robert A. K. Gonyo and featuring MPTG Co-Artistic Director Ryan Victor Pierce alongside Nneoma Nkuku (Law and Order: SVU, Boardwalk Empire). Muzungu will be produced at the 4th Street Theatre from October 14th through October 30th, 2011.

Traveling to post-genocide Rwanda with the idea that he can make a difference, Matthew, an American aid worker, finds himself confronted by Mattie, a local masseuse. And while the play explores the unexpected consequences of lending a helping hand, it also reveals something of Mattie's desire to escape her life of scrutiny.

Operating from the perspective of the American Matthew (who Rwandans term a "Muzungu"), this play questions the global American identity and how it affects the ability to "help" other countries. "From the moment I read it, this is a play I've wanted to see onstage," says Robert A. K. Gonyo. "David's writing is superb, and both Nneoma and Ryan brilliantly bring his words to life. The production gets more exciting to me with every discussion I have with our team - I can't wait to share this show with everyone."

Mixed Phoenix Theatre Group's quest to explore what it means to be American, and Co-Op Theatre East's mission to create theatre that fosters a dialogue for social change have brought the two companies together on this joint production. Tickets are available through Smarttix.

About Co-Op Theatre East: Founded in 2008, Co-Op Theatre East (COTE) creates theatre for social change. COTE provides an entertaining performance forum in which to ask evocative, challenging questions of artists and audiences on our way to creating collaborative answers. www.cooptheatreeast.org

About Mixed Phoenix Theatre Group: Mixed Phoenix Theatre Group explores our evolving American identity, in all its diversity through works that investigate our multi-cultural history, challenge stereotypes or embrace our Native American heritage. www.mptg.org

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