San Jose Rep Presents LEGACY OF LIGHT 3/24-4/17

San Jose Repertory Theatre is proud to present the West Coast Premiere of Karen Zacarias' critically acclaimed, comic drama Legacy of Light, the perfect addition to a well sculpted 2010-2011 season. This brilliant play intertwines the 18th and 21st centuries as it delves into the lives of two scientists, Emilie du Chatelet and Olivia Hasting Brown, and their fervor for motherhood and science. Legacy of Light is an intellectual joyride that confronts a timeless question: Can women push the boundaries of science and still find balance in their emotional and maternal lives? Written by Karen Zacarias, Legacy of Light will fill the Rep's fifth show slot and will run from March 24, 2011 - April 17, 2011. Press opening night is Wednesday, March 30, 2011 at 8:00 p.m.

"We've read hundreds of plays looking for the perfect complement to the other five titles in our 30th anniversary season, and when Karen Zacarias' Legacy of Light crossed my desk I knew I had found the one we should do," commented San Jose Rep's Artistic Director Rick Lombardo. "It's beautiful, smart, theatrically adventurous, poetic and funny. My first reaction to it, besides how moved I felt by its conclusion, was that if you attempted to combine the theatrical sensibilities of Tom Stoppard with Sarah Ruhl's, the product might look very much like this play. And I'm so pleased to be adding another West Coast Premiere to this anniversary season."

Emilie du Chatelet, an 18th century physicist, finds herself with child at age 42. Living in the fear that she will die in childbirth, Emilie hurries to finish her research and leave behind a legacy in a mere nine months. Flashing forward to the 21st century, scientist Olivia Hasting Brown has come to terms with the fact that she is unable to conceive a child, and turns to a surrogate mother. Zacarias beautifully brings together two gifted women who share a passion and a hunger for human continuity but also a lust for knowledge and the drive to do something "that matters."

The 2010-2011 subscription season also includes the World Premiere of Philip Kan Gotanda's sophisticated, romantic comedy, Love in American Times, and Ronald Harwood's The Dresser, a love letter to theatre. The season also includes two additionAl West Coast Premieres: Frank Higgins' moving and melodic drama, Black Pearl Sings, and Robert Clyman's biomedical thriller, Secret Order, and the regional premiere of Lynnette Barkley and Christopher McGovern's enchanting new musical, Backwards In High Heels.

Subscriptions are now available to renewing subscribers and reservations are being taken for new subscriptions. Prices begin at $151.00 for a six play subscription. For subscription tickets, call 408.367.7255 or buy online at www.SJRep.com.

About the Rep

San Jose Rep is the premier non-profit, professional theatre company in the South Bay, presenting six main stage productions each year. As a major contributor to South Bay's cultural community for 29 years, the Rep's mission is to engage, entertain and inspire people. We produce innovative theatrical performances that offer fresh perspectives into the human condition, educational programs that promote life-long learning, and outreach initiatives that benefit our diverse community. For more information, visit us at www.SJRep.com

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