Bare Theatre to Stage Reading of THE TAMING on Inauguration Day

Bare Theatre announced today a staged reading of Lauren Gunderson's The Taming on inauguration day for the next American President. This all-female political farce (inspired by Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew) uses humor and provocation to take a hard look at democracy in action.

Hosted at Visual Art Exchange (VAE) and co-directed by Jorie Slodki and Heather J. Strickland, the staged reading will raise funds for the American Civil Liberties Union of North Carolina (ACLU of NC) and provide an Inauguration Day event for those that are frustrated by the current political climate and need a good laugh. Playwright Gunderson offered the script free to any company across the nation that chooses to do a staged reading on Inauguration Day stating, "Stories also remind us of the power of joy, hope, and humor in the face of division and conflict. And stories can fire us up for the work of fighting the good fight. Theatre specifically requires us to show up and participate in the story and feel the particular power of congregation as well as catharsis." As of today, 30 theatres across the country will be performing The Taming on Inauguration Day.

The event will be free of charge and take place January 20, 2017 at 7:30 p.m. Donations will be accepted on-site for the ACLU of NC, an organization that coordinates and carries out legal and educational work around civil liberties issues for North Carolina. The performance will also include locally-made arts and crafts for sale, to raise further funds.

Featuring local actors Olivia Griego, Kaley Morrison, and Strickland, the story follows contestant Katherine, who has political aspirations to match her beauty pageant ambitions, as she attempts to revolutionize the American government. In pursuit of her goals, she enlists the help of one ultra-conservative senator's aide on the cusp of a career breakthrough, and one bleeding-heart liberal blogger who will do anything for her cause.

Bare Theatre, a Raleigh-based theatre company, works to connect with audiences by applying new approaches to time-honored works and presenting new works from local artists. The company recently received rave reviews for its regional premiere of Allan Maule's EverScape, with Dustin Britt writing for Triangle Arts & Entertainment calling the show "The Theatrical Event of the Season."

IF YOU GO:

Location: Visual Art Exchange, 309 West Martin Street, Raleigh NC (vaeraleigh.org)

Dates: January 20, 2017

Times: Doors open at 7:00pm, shows begin at 7:30pm

Tickets: FREE. Donations accepted for ACLU of NC (acluofnorthcarolina.org)

Website: baretheatre.org

Facebook Event Page: http://bit.ly/BTFBTame2017