A HUMAN BEING DIED THAT NIGHT Makes Philadelphia Premiere

Psychologist Pumla confronts imprisoned ex-officer Eugene in this searing account of the atrocities committed by the South African police force under apartheid. On October 26, EgoPo Classic Theater presents Nicholas Wright's adaptation of Pumla Gobodo-Madikidela's award-winning book about her time serving on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. A Human Being Died That Night previews October 24-25 and opens Friday, October 26. The show runs three weeks, closing November 11. Tickets range $25-$35. Performances are at the Latvian Society Theater at 7th and Spring Garden.

EgoPo continues producing themed seasons with this year's Theater of South Africa, celebrating great dramatic works from the country's rich theatrical tradition. The season will highlight South Africa's remarkable transformation from apartheid to democracy. Theater of South Africa continues with Three Sisters Two by Reza de Wet, a Chekhov sequel confronting the fall of the privileged class, and concludes with two plays in rotating repertory: "Master Harold"...and the Boys by Athol Fugard and Egoli by Matsemela Manaka (co-produced with Theatre in the X), shining a light on two vastly different experiences under apartheid. Subscriptions to see all four plays start at $75. For more information, go to www.EgoPo.org, or call 267-273-1414.

EgoPo's mainstage season kicks off with A Human Being Died That Night, adapted from the award-winning 2003 book by Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela, a psychologist who served on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Set in Pretoria Central Prison, the author is assigned to report on ex-officer Eugene de Kock, nicknamed Prime Evil. Pumla and Eugene must confront their ideas of humanity and the power of forgiveness and remorse.

EgoPo Artistic Advisory Board member Steven Wright (Actor: Machinal, The Hairy Ape, Death of a Salesman) will take on the direction of this play that the New York Times called "quietly gripping," and The South African said "transcends the South African context with its extraordinary message." The play premiered at the Fugard Theater in Cape Town, followed by runs at the Market Theatre in Johannesburg, Hampstead Theatre in London, BAM in New York, and Mosaic Theater in D.C.

Following apartheid's fall, South Africa's new President, former anti-apartheid revolutionary Nelson Mandela, focused on dismantling racist laws, implementing new protections, and fostering racial reconciliation. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) was a body of justice assembled to expose racist atrocities and promote healing. Victims of human rights violations gave testimony about their experiences in public, often televised, hearings. Perpetrators of violence could request amnesty from criminal prosecution on the condition of full and truthful confession. Despite controversy, the TRC was seen by many as a crucial step toward achieving a full and free democracy in South Africa.

EgoPo is excited to welcome Niya Colbert (Theatre in the X, Revolution Shakespeare, Sedgwick Theatre) and Paul L. Nolan (Lantern, PTC, Theatre Exile, Walnut Street Theatre) as Pumla and Eugene in their EgoPo debuts.

The artistic team for EgoPo's A Human Being Died That Night includes Production Design by Yoshi Nomura, Lighting Design by Amanda Jensen, Dialect Coaching by Melanie Julian, and Dramaturgy by Kirstie Floyd.

A Human Being Died That Night will be staged at the Latvian Society Theater. Previews begin October 24, with Press Opening on Friday, October 26; the show will run three weeks, closing on November 11.