MJ Kaufman's New Play DESTINY ESTIMATE Premieres 10/20

Playwright MJ Kaufman (How to Live On Earth, Sagittarius Ponderosa) explores life, fate and possibility through mythology, song and movement in his newest play Destiny Estimate. Co-directed by Mark McCloughan (No Face Performance Group) and MJ Kaufman, the show runs October 19-29, 2017 at 7 pm at the Christ Church Neighborhood House. Tickets can be purchased online at www.destinyestimate.com.

At the center of Kaufman's new play is trans character Myles. Myles is trying to decide what to think about destiny. They're trying to figure it out while they mourn their father, their uncle, their childhood best friend, and their roommate. They're wondering why some funerals are huge and long and full of things to say and others are very, very small. Destiny Estimate, a play with movement and song, is about the deaths we memorialize and the ones that remain invisible. It's about Louisa May Alcott and the Greek fates and Mother Courage. Most of all, it's about asking how stories affect our beliefs and how in turn those beliefs can govern our lives.

"This play is relevant to anyone to who has ever lost someone," explains MJ Kaufman, playwright and co-director. "It's about the stories we tell ourselves about fate and loss. It is also about a trans character dealing with loss and illness, something we don't get to see very often. But also it is funny, I promise!"

Kaufman, who is co-directing with Philadelphia artist Mark McCloughan, is using song and movement, as well as an ensemble of actors to tell his story. It is a first for Kaufman, whose plays are not typically ensemble pieces featuring music and movement.

"I am very excited to be working with talented artists composer Emily Bate and choreographer Mark McCloughan. Their art works on audiences on a more visceral level than text, making the story both familiar and strange," said Kaufman.

Destiny Estimate features design by Masha Tsimring and Katherine Fritz, and composition by Emily Bate. The ensemble is: Jenna Horton, Paloma Irizarry, Melissa Krodman, Jenson Titus Lavallee, Kevin Meehan, Daniel Park, Jackie Soro, and Mary Tuomanen.

Destiny Estimate has been supported by The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage (www.pcah.us). For more information on the show and for tickets, please visit destinyestimate.com.

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