Clyman's 'Tranced' Opens Feb.1 at SJ Rep; Damashek Directs

Tranced, a politically charged, fast paced thriller, delves into the murky depths of international intrigue.  Playwright Robert Clyman (Secret Order) invents an extraordinary mystery fueled by moral deliberation.  Clyman pulls into question the very nature of truth and explores the powerful art of persuasion.

Directed by Barbara Damashek (Quilters, Noel and Gertie, Laughter on the 23rd Floor),  Tranced runs January 26 – February 24, 2008 at San Jose Repertory Theatre (101 Paseo de San Antonio in downtown San Jose).  Preview performances are January 26, 27, 30 & 31.  Press Opening is Friday, February 1 at 8PM with performances through February 24.

Tickets are available at the San Jose Rep Box Office at 101 Paseo de San Antonio or can be purchased online at www.SJRep.com or by calling (408) 367-7255.

"Do you have a secret? What if your secret held dire consequences? What would you do?   In Tranced, African graduate student Azmera (Kenya Brome) suffers from panic episodes.  She seeks the help of Philip (Thom Rivera), a prominent psychiatrist specializing in a form of clinical hypnosis called 'trancing.'  After Philip puts Azmera into a light trance, she is finally able to describe an incident she witnessed in an African village.  Although her memory of the event remains consistent with government reports, there are gaps in her memory and time periods for which she cannot account.  Philip and Azmera decide to try a deeper form of hypnosis in an attempt to fill in the gaps.  Once Azmera's experience is fully revealed, Philip realizes that she may have witnessed something that could have national repercussions," describe press notes.

Stacy Ross (Beth), leads an extraordinary cast that includes Thom Rivera (Philip); James Carpenter (Logan); and, making her San Jose Rep debut, Kenya Brome (Azmera).

The creative team includes Kris Stone (Set Designer); B Modern (Costume Designer); Daniel Ordower (Lighting Designer); and Jeff Mokus (Sound Designer). The production stage manager is Laxmi Kumaran.

Robert Clyman draws upon his insight into the human condition when crafting plays.  His play Secret Order has been produced at The Ensemble Studio Theatre, Laguna Playhouse and Merrimack Repertory Theatre, who also produced it Off-Broadway at 59E59 Theater in November of 2007.  Clyman has also been awarded a number of national prizes and was a member of the Circle Rep Lab in New York where four of his plays were produced.

Tony nominated director Barbara Damashek makes her San Jose Rep directorial debut with Tranced.  She has worked extensively in the Bay Area as well as in many of the nation's leading regional theaters.  In both 2005 and 2006 she won the Bay Area Critics Circle Award for Best Direction for Noel and Gertie and Laughter on the 23rd Floor, both produced at Center Repertory Theatre.  She was also a 1988 Susan Smith Blackburn Playwrights Finalist for her musical documentary play, Whereabouts Unknown. Damashek is an Assistant Professor at San Francisco State University.

Tickets range: $15- $59; Students (full-time, with valid ID) - 1/2 off tickets for all performances, all seats. Seniors (65 yrs +) and Teachers - $6 off tickets all performances, all seats. ADA or ASL discount - $6 off your ticket and your companion's ticket. Subscriber Single Ticket Discounts - $6. Rush Ticket Discounts - Balcony price for that performance

Box office: 408.367.7255. Online: www.sjrep.com or visit Box Office, 101 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose (between South 2nd & 3rd St)