Tulsa PAC Closes THE SCARLET LETTER, 1/22

Phyllis Nagy's play, The Scarlet Letter, has the words "adapted from the novel by Nathaniel Hawthorne," as opposed to simply saying "an adaptation," which is more typical. This is a subtle way of stating that the play is not intended to be a literal lifting of the story but more of a re-telling --with a purpose.  Nagy's play is an examination of the deep, conflicting, often childish emotions of the adult characters, as partly witnessed and narrated by Hester Prynne's illegitimate daughter, Pearl, and shared with us.  It is also a feminist work, in which the fates of a woman and a girl are seemingly controlled by the men, only to be thwarted because of Hester and Pearl's courageous willingness to follow their own paths. This gives the play a much more modern feel, in spite of the Puritan-style clothing the cast will wear.  The language of the play is also more contemporary - and therefore less stilted than many plays set in an imagined past. We are approaching the play as a metaphor for our modern society: this is the past from which we came - where are we now?

In keeping with this, the director chose to cast the show with a "color-blind" approach, meaning multi-ethnic. Cast members include African American, Hispanic, and Native American actors - individuals who would have had little power or standing in the era of the play - but who now are essential partners in the American fabric. Nagy's play is Hawthorne, updated, and our production goes one step further.  Those who expect to see Hawthorne's story will not be disappointed - it's there, but reflected in a radiant, revealing mirror.

Cast include:  Andy Axewell as Master Brackett, Brigid Kimery Vance as Hester Prynne, LeAnna Duncan as Pearl Prynne, Freddie Tate as Governor Bellingham, Premadonna Braddick as Mistress Hibbins, Xavier Sagel as Arthur Dimmesdale, and Rick Luttrell as Roger Chillingworth

 The Scarlet Letter by Phyllis Nagy, an adaptation of Nathaniel Hawthorne's classic novel, was commissioned and first produced by the Denver Centre Theatre in 1994.  In 2005 Nagy directed a production of The Scarlet Letter at Chichester Festival Theatre, considered one of the United Kingdom's flagship theatres, with a dazzling international reputation for producing a wide range of theatrical productions, from musicals and comedies, to classic drama and innovative new writing.

WHERE: Tulsa PAC - John H. Williams Theatre

WHEN: January 14 - 22, 2011

TIME: All shows at 7:30, except the 2:00 p.m. Matinee on January 16

TICKETS: General Admission $16, Seniors $11

Tickets for individual shows can be purchased through the Theatre Tulsa office at (918) 587-8402 or through the Tulsa Performing Arts Center Ticket Office at (918) 596-7111.

Since 1922, Theatre Tulsa has been a part of the culture of Tulsa. Theatre Tulsa has entertained the community for more than 87 years.  Theatre Tulsa and its supporters share a rich legacy of bringing music, laughter, and drama to the people of Tulsa and providing a venue for the many talents of the Tulsa community.