Fiona Shaw to Open Second UNITED SOLO EUROPE; Festival Runs May 27-31

The world's largest solo theatre festival based in New York will present its second European showcase May 27 - 31, 2014 at Teatr Syrena in Warsaw, Poland. Recipient of the Order of the British Empire and two-time Laurence Olivier Award winner Fiona Shaw will open this year's United Solo Europe with her remarks on solo theatre. The performers participating in the European showcase come from Finland, Sweden, Poland, USA, and Italy. The program includes a show by five-time Grammy nominee LynnMarie Rink and one directed by Austin Pendleton, as well as a solo version of "Hamlet" and a magic piece about the discovery of an Alfred Hitchcock film. The full lineup can be found below.

United Solo Academy member Fiona Shaw inaugurates the second season of United Solo Europe with her remarks on the art of solo theatre. Tuesday, May 27, 2014 at 8pm. Shaw won international recognition playing Petunia Dursley in the Harry Potter films and Marnie Stonebrook in the HBO series "True Blood." A classically trained actress, Fiona Shaw performed at the most prestigious stages including the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre in London. Shaw is also known for her critically acclaimed solo productions on Broadway, including "The Waste Land," for which she received a Drama Desk Award and "The Testament of Mary," nominated for three Tony Awards. In 2013, Fiona Shaw received the United Solo Special Award in recognition of her outstanding achievements in the art of solo performance.

LynnMarie Rink in "Wrap Your Heart Around It." Performed by a five-time Grammy nominee and produced by an Emmy winner. Tuesday, May 27, 2014 at 8pm. Filled with inspiring humor and music, this powerful show chronicles the true story of LynnMarie Rink's lifelong struggle with her father's alcoholism, her own religious beliefs, and eventually her difficulties as the forty-year-old mother of a special needs child. "My hope," says LynnMarie, "is that my story, told with an entertaining approach, will provide encouragement to people facing issues like depression, being an adult child of an alcoholic, parenting a special-needs child and dealing with unexpected life challenges." This show was co-created by Emmy-winning producer Paul Miller.

Roger Westberg in "Hamlet, A Stand Up." Twenty Shakespearean characters performed by a solo comedian! Wednesday, May 28, 2014 at 8pm. Performing the entire tale of "Hamlet," and playing twenty characters in this riotous and clever adaptation of Shakespeare's epic play, mime Roger Westberg ignites the stage from the very moment he graces it, showcasing his brilliant, enduring craft. Westberg mimes, talks, sings, and dances his way through Claudius' murder of his brother, Ophelia's despondency, and the stunning duel between Laertes and Hamlet-solo with original live sound effects!

Monika Mariotti in "Moja Nina." Depiction of legendary singer and songwriter Nina Simone. Thursday, May 29, 2014 at 8pm. A tribute to American singer Nina Simone by Polish Italian actress Monika Mariotti, this show tells the story of Simone's fight with racial discrimination, her political activism, and her personal struggles-all based on the singer's autobiography and featuring ten songs performed live. The show portrays a fascinating persona while addressing questions about one's roots and search for cultural identity.

Grace Kiley in "Longing for Grace."Directed by renowned multiple theatre award-winnerAustin Pendleton. Friday, May 30, 2014 at 8pm. "Longing for Grace-the life and inner life of Grace Kelly" tells the story of the Oscar-winning actress, who, at age 26, gave up a promising film career in America to became Princess of Monaco. Suspended between life and death, Kelly struggles for understanding, and weaves the story of her life into a cautionary tale. Peering beneath the glamorous surface of Grace Kelly's life, Kiley portrays the humanity that generated the myth, and reveals the passion that drove a shy girl from Philadelphia to become one of the most iconic stars of American cinema.

Robert Jägerhorn in "Waiting for Hitchcock." The screenplay of a classic movie performed by a world-renowned magician. Saturday, May 31, 2014 at 8pm. Breathtaking news: Alfred Hitchcock's long-lost first silent film "Number 8" has just been found! The discovery of this thrilling spy story was made by world-class magician Robert Jägerhorn. Instead of a screening, the audience will experience an unconventional presentation of the plot through reenactment and mysterious effects created live on stage. The show is full of irresistible magic and brilliant comedy, creating an unforgettable evening of suspense and laughter!

More information is available at www.unitedsolo.eu.

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