Fair Oaks Actor Richard Spierto Rouses Audiences at California Stage as the Marquis de Sade

Fair Oaks actor and community organizer Richard Spierto plays the infamous Marquis de Sade in California Stage Theater Company's upcoming production of Marat/Sade, opening July 19thSpierto leads California Stage's illustrious cast as it reveals what happens when the "1%" goes too far and takes too much in Peter Weiss' provocative play-within-a-play.

Audiences follow the Marquis de Sade as he directs the inmates of the Charenton lunatic asylum in his own luridly critical take on the French Revolution while inciting them to voice their discontent with their present circumstances. Weiss' play shocked American audiences in the 1960's with its socially and sexually subversive content. Playwright Peter Weiss spent his career pushing audiences to confront society's hypocrisies and darker motives by writing about the Frankfurt Auschwitz Trials, the conflicts in Viet Nam, and other issues.

Spierto, whose career as an actor, director, producer, and scenic and lighting designer spans 40 years, is no stranger to controversy and social activism himself. Three years ago he directed Frank Wedekind's highly controversial Spring Awakening for The Alternative Arts Collective-one of Sacramento's edgiest young companies that Spierto helped to organize. He has lent his theatrical expertise to the Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles and the Houston Gay Men's Chorus, and served as the President of the Sacramento Gay Men's Chorus. He has also worked as the West Coast Coordinator for "The Cycle of Life" cycling tour, which raises funds that provide critical services for those diagnosed with HIV and AIDS.

Ray Tatar produces California Stage's highly anticipated production of Marat/Sade as the third show of the company's 2014 season. Kent Johnson directs and Lori Russo choreographs. The cast features Richard Spierto alongside Mark Gonzalez as Jean-Paul Marat, Sabrina Fiora as Charlotte Corday, and Michael RJ Campbell (Forum at STC) as the Herald. Niels Larsen (Journey's End) provides scenic and lighting design.

Peter Weiss' Marat/Sade will open July 19th to run four weekends through August 10th, 2014 at the California Stage Theater in Midtown Sacramento; Fridays & Saturdays at 8pm & Sundays at 2pm. California Stage Theater is located in the R25 Arts Complex, 1725 25th Street at R Street. Ticket prices are $20.00 for general admission, $15.00 students, SARTA members, Military and seniors; and $12.00 for groups of six or more. Easy free parking available. Reservations: 916-451-5822 or order online at www.CalStage.org