Facing the Bull at Theatre at St. John's

LIVING LOTUS PROJECT, HIPPY COOL PRODUCTIONS, AND DANIEL NEIDEN PRESENT

THE OPENING OF A NEW PLAY WITH SONGS, CHARTING A YOUNG WOMAN’S LIFE-LONG JOURNEY TO SEEK AND EMBRACE HER OWN POWER

FACING THE BULL

WRITTEN AND COMPOSED BY LISA BONNER
DIRECTED BY LAURA GOSHEFF

BEGINNING FEBRUARY 22, 2018

New York: As part of its mission to tell the developing stories of women, Living Lotus Project is excited to present a new play by Lisa Bonner that interweaves stories of aspiration and self-discovery, often against established odds. Written and composed by Lisa Bonner, Facing the Bull begins performances on February 22, 2018 at the Theatre at St. Johns (81 Christopher Street) and will run through February 27th. Tickets are $18. For performance schedule and tickets go to https://facingthebull.bpt.me

A theatrical play with music, Facing the Bull is performed by a company of five actor/musicians. It is about a girl coming of age, and a society coming to rage. Bonna takes us on a journey of comic vignettes, as scenes in her American life eventually unveil truths she was not prepared for, presenting her with a reality that seems to divide us on very core levels, while simultaneously awakening our deep spirit of determination.

Production coordinated by Robert Neapolitan,* the cast of Facing the Bull features: Lisa Bonner (lead guitar), Hannah DelMonte* (percussion), Ryan Dempsey (synth/guitar), Roger Lipson* (drums), Melinda Porto* (keyboards) and Jeneen Terrana* (bass). (*appears courtesy of Actors Equity Association)

Playwright Lisa Bonner shares her inspiration: “I started writing this piece after feeling the world was going loo-loo-coo-coo, in about 2012. Facing the Bull began as a prologue to a rock opera I have written, and it became the book to the music.” Bonner continues: "Excerpted for this showcase, it brings to light the small increments changing US over the past few decades. We all play a part in the performance of life, and what we do to the spider, we do to our web. I hope you'll find it entertaining, but I also hope you'll see that the microcosm of Bonna's life reflects the roots of the many macrocosmic issues that have compounded in our world over these past few decades. Especially those effecting us as women.”

Director Laura Gosheff says of Bonner's play, "With the rise of the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements, Facing the Bull is beautifully aligned with Living Lotus Project's mission of encouraging women to raise their voices and tell their stories. Giving women a platform to be heard is critical to raising awareness and creating empathy and advocacy for women. Told with music, humor and compassion, there is something relatable for everyone in Facing the Bull, and Living Lotus is as proud to present this inspiring work, as I am honored to direct it."

Equity Approved Showcase. All performances at Theatre at St. John’s, 81 Christopher Street. Tickets are $18. For performance schedule and tickets go to: https://facingthebull.bpt.me

For interviews with Ms. Bonner or Ms. Gosheff, and for more information about Facing the Bull, contact Laura@LivingLotusProject.org or call 866-413-4443.