ArtsWest To Stage Urgent Drama OFFICE HOUR In May

In its Seattle premiere, Julia Cho's bold drama OFFICE HOUR will play at ArtsWest from May 2 through May 26, with ArtsWest Artistic Director Mathew Wright directing. Set on a modern college campus, OFFICE HOUR follows the interaction between Dennis, a quiet, troubled student, and Gina, his concerned professor, as they meet to discuss Dennis' grisly writing assignments. What follows is a stirring call for empathy and a bold experiment in form, as OFFICE HOUR breaks traditional storytelling molds to vividly explore issues of gun violence, mental health, race, immigration, and the breakdown of communication across our fractured society.

"At first glance, OFFICE HOUR might sound like a topical treatise on gun violence - but it's really about connection and empathy," said ArtsWest Artistic Director Mathew Wright, who directs the play. "The way Julia Cho writes these characters is so rich and full of life - there's profound truth in the way they express themselves to each other, and that's what makes this play special. OFFICE HOUR reminds us that unobstructed human connection is extraordinarily difficult, but that it's worth the effort - for all of us."

Alongside returning performer Christian Quinto (JANE EYRE, ArtsWest), OFFICE HOUR stars ArtsWest newcomers Naho Shioya (A CHRISTMAS CAROL, ACT Theatre), Nik Doner (MY ANTONIA, Book-It Repertory Theatre), and the professional debut of Varinique Davis.

The Creative Team features D.R. Amromin (NADIESHKO, Sound Theatre Company), Properties Master Jenny Burkley (JOHN), Associate Director & Physical Consultant Alyza DelPan-Monley (M. BUTTERFLY, ArtsWest), Costume Designer Jocelyne Fowler (TITUS ANDRONICUS, Book-It Repertory Theatre), Lighting Designer Mig Mrizek (BRIDGE PROJECT, Velocity Dance Center), Scenic Designer Christopher Mumaw (HEDWIG & THE ANGRY INCH, ArtsWest) and Stage Manager Liza Vaughn (LADY DAY AT EMERSON'S BAR & GRILL, ArtsWest).

Cast Naho Shioya - Gina Nik Doner - David Varinique Davis - Genevieve Christian Quinto - Dennis Creative Team Mathew Wright - Director D.R. Amromin - Sound Designer Jennifer Burkley - Properties Master Alyza DelPan-Monley - Associate Director & Physicality Consultant Jocelyne Fowler - Costume Designer Mig Mrizek - Lighting Designer Christopher Mumaw - Scenic Designer Liza Vaughn - Stage Manager

OFFICE HOUR plays May 2 - May 26, 2019 at ArtsWest, 4711 California Ave SW, Seattle WA 98116. Tickets ($20-$42) available online at www.artswest.org, by phone at 206-938-0339, or at the box office Thursday through Saturday, 2-7:30 p.m.

ArtsWest is a vibrant center for both performing and visual arts located in the West Seattle Junction. This 149-seat theatre provides a unique setting for audiences and artists as stories of human emotion unfold in an intimate space. Winner of the American Theatre Wing's 2012 National Theatre Company Award, ArtsWest has produced such diverse work as AMERICAN IDIOT, PETER AND THE STARCATCHER, 2016's critically acclaimed production of Henrik Ibsen's GHOSTS, and a celebrated production of AN OCTOROON in 2018. ArtsWest produces artistic events that provoke conversation, incite the imagination, and use live theater as a powerful agent of change. www.artswest.org