Phil Bronstein Joins DEAD METAPHOR Talkback at A.C.T., 3/20

American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.) will welcome Phil Bronstein - esteemed journalist and Executive Chair of the Board for the Center for Investigative Reporting - for a special postshow discussion with A.C.T. Artistic Director Carey Perloff immediately following the 8 p.m. performance of George F. Walker's Dead Metaphor on Wednesday, March 20, 2013. The discussion will explore issues raised by Dead Metaphor, including nationwide unemployment rates among veterans and the politics of postwar living. Bronstein will also discuss his recent investigative report on the Navy Seal responsible for killing Osama Bin Laden who has since had difficulty finding a job back at home (http://cironline.org/theshooter). Tickets for Dead Metaphor (starting at $20) are on sale now and may be purchased online at act-sf.org or by calling 415.749.2228. Admission to the discussion is free, but only guaranteed for that evening's Dead Metaphor ticket holders.

In Dead Metaphor, Dean Trusk returns home from the war in the Middle East and hits the job market only to discover that his superior military skills don't get him very far in the business world. His readjustment to non-bunker life begins by moving in with his aging parents and pregnant ex-(and soon-to-be current) wife. When he is offered a job as poster boy for a crusading politician on her own mission for "truth and justice," his military ethics collide with the unscrupulous world of national political campaigns-and he discovers that his unique skill set may be his best asset after all. Dead Metaphor runs now through March 24, 2013 at A.C.T.'s Geary Theater (415 Geary Street, San Francisco).

Directed by Irene Lewis (A.C.T.'s Race; former artistic director of Baltimore's CENTERSTAGE), Dead Metaphor features George Hampe-making his A.C.T. debut-in the role of Dean Trusk, the returning soldier; Tom Bloom (Cyrano, Henry IV, and Racing Demon on Broadway) as Hank Trusk, Dean's father; Rebekah Brockman (A Christmas Carol at A.C.T.; Blithe Spirit at California Shakespeare Theater) as Jenny Trusk, Dean's ex-wife; and Sharon Lockwood ('Tis Pity She's a Whore, The Government Inspector, and Hedda Gablerat A.C.T.) as Frannie Trusk, Dean's mother. They are joined by A.C.T. core Acting Company members René Augesen (recent productions of Elektra, Once in a Lifetime, and Clybourne Park at A.C.T.; Blithe Spirit at California Shakespeare Theater) and Anthony Fusco (recent productions of Elektra, The Homecoming, and Clybourne Park at A.C.T. ; Blithe Spirit at California Shakespeare Theater) in the roles of Helen Denny, the political extremist, and her more mild-tempered husband, Oliver Denny.

In addition to the added postshow discussion on Wednesday, March 20, A.C.T. will offer a variety of other InterACT events-many of which are presented free of charge-in association with Dead Metaphor. These events give patrons opportunities to get closer to the action while making a whole night out of their evening at the theater. Visit www.act-sf.org/interact to learn more about subscribing to these events throughout the season:

• Audience Exchanges: Tue., Mar. 12, at 7 p.m. | Sun., Mar. 17, at 2 p.m. | Wed., Mar. 20, at 2 p.m.
After the show, stick around for a lively Q&A session with the actors and artists who create the
work onstage.

• OUT with A.C.T.: Wed., March 13, following the 8 p.m. performance
The best LGBT night in town! Mingle with the cast and enjoy free drinks and treats at this popular afterparty.

• Wine Series: Tue., March 19, at 7 p.m.
Before the show, raise a glass at this wine tasting event featuring leading sommeliers from the Bay Area's hottest local wineries.

• PlayTime: Saturday, March 23, at 12:30 p.m.
Before this matinee performance, get hands-on with theater with the artists who make it happen at this interactive workshop.

The creative team for Dead Metaphor includes scenic designer Chris Barreca (Race at A.C.T.; Crime and Punishment at Berkeley Repertory Theater), costume designer Lydia Tanji (The Quality of Life, The Rainmaker at A.C.T.; Crime and Punishment at Berkeley Repertory Theater), lighting designer Alexander V. Nichols (Endgame and Play, Scorched at A.C.T.; Wishful Drinking and Hugh Jackman Back on Broadway on Broadway), and sound designer Cliff Caruthers (Elektra , The Caucasian Chalk Circle at A.C.T.; Happy Days at the Guthrie Theater).