6/20/2007 12:07:00 PM Apocalyptic play explores future family values
Four Ex (Brian Gilbert) and Rainy (Angela Amos) face off in Key City Players’ Northwest premiere of “SO FAR: The Children of the Elvi” written by Constance Congdon. “SO FAR” opens on Friday, June 22 at Key City Playhouse. – Photo by Kathie Meyer
Suppose a male-dominated society wrecked the world. Would a matriarchal society be the antidote or would absolute power corrupt absolutely, yet again?
Internationally produced playwright Constance Congdon explores this question and one family's warped state of arrested development after the planet is torn apart by greed, war and environmental devastation. The result is "SO FAR: The Children of the Elvi," a dark, dark comedy disguised as a tragedy, opening Friday, June 22 at Key City Playhouse. Key City Players is proud to present this Northwest premiere of Congdon's contemporary play and to host the Massachusetts playwright-in-residence.
In Congdon's twisted post-apocalyptic world, survivors speak a deconstructed language, question their fragmented sense of history, and have no sense of possibilities beyond their own fence line.
Originally commissioned and produced by Congdon's alma mater, the University of Massachusetts, "SO FAR" has been called one of the "best plays not yet produced in New York" by Tim Samson, artistic director of Playwrights' Horizons.
The Northwest premiere of Congdon's play is directed by KCP Artistic Director Denise Winter and stars Angela Amos, David Wayne Johnson, Nancy Muir and Peter Wiant, and KCP newcomers Caleb Dearing, Brian Gilbert and Camille Hildebrandt. Brad Mace's set design incorporates the detritus of a ruined landscape, and Eryn McNamara's haute trash costume design evokes the survivalist scavenger mentality of Congdon's bizarre world.
Congdon, the author of more than 30 plays and now a teacher and playwright-in-residence at Amherst College in Massachusetts, worked in-residence at Key City Players for two weeks during the "SO FAR" rehearsals.
"Cast members have enjoyed the benefits of the collaborative process, working closely with the playwright," says Winter. "And Congdon is excited about the cast who have brought so much talent and thoughtfulness to their characters and to this unique play."
Congdon is in town for the opening of "SO FAR" and joins the director and cast members for special post-show discussions following all opening weekend performances on June 22, 23 and 24.
After opening weekend, informal "AfterWords" discussions with the artistic staff and cast will follow all Thursday and Sunday performances.
"SO FAR: The Children of the Elvi" runs June 22-July 14 at Key City Playhouse, 419 Washington St. in Port Townsend. Performances are Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.; Sundays at 7 p.m. There are no matinee performances. This production contains mature themes and strong language and is not recommended for children.
General admission is $12; $10 for students. For the pay-what-you-wish performance on Thursday, June 28, advance tickets are available at full price and donations are accepted at the door for the remaining seats on a first-come, first-served basis.
All advance ticket sales are handled by Quimper Sound, 230 Taylor. For information about group sales and subscription packages, call 379-0195, or visit www.keycityplayers.org.
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