Trademark Partners With Better Angels For World Premiere of UNDERSTOOD

Tyler Michaels directs Trademark Theater's newest World Premiere, Understood, at Soma Studios in North East Minneapolis from October 3rd - October 28th. Understood, written by local playwright Tyler Mills, weaves a time bending, urgent story that captures the essence of our nation's harsh divides.

Because Understood is playing just prior to the November elections, Trademark is thrilled to partner with the national organization, Better Angels, for post-show events to compliment Understood. Better Angels, a non-profit organization staffed by an even split of conservatives and liberals, is a "bipartisan citizen's movement to unify our divided nation." The organization has designed several workshops that "successfully help red and blue Americans rebuild trust and better understand each others' perspectives." Better Angels will lead six post-play discussions that will focus on themes from the production.

"We were overjoyed when Better Angels agreed to work with us on this project. When I learned of the organization while researching the play, I couldn't believe how well they embodied the themes in the piece. They are doing amazing work to help ease the polarization that has become so pervasive in our country and we're excited for them to share that expertise with our audiences," says Tyler Mills.

The play centers around two young, married individuals who are searching for answers in a world divided by politics and unflinching beliefs. It's a direct contrast to Trademark's first production, The Boy and Robin Hood, a 14-person play with music, produced at the Ritz Theater. "This time around we are in a non-theatrical, industrial studio space. Everything from the lights, to the set, to sound is being brought in and created to fit the space. We want the play's intense and intimate focus on the characters to be at the forefront; everything else will be minimal in design. Understood continues the precedent for Trademark to always bring something new to the table for our audiences," says Tyler Michaels.

Sasha Andreev and Adelin Phelps lead this two-person 90-minute play, both portraying multiple characters. Both performers showcased their talents in Trademark's reading of the play in late 2017. Adelin Phelps also performed in the play's final workshop reading in April. The play is assistant directed by Sophie Peyton.

Understood rounds out Trademark's second season and marks the company's second commission from local artists to create new works that challenge the boundaries of traditional theater making.

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