A deluged woman must make hard choices in MainStage Season’s Allegra
A TV news reporter who cares for her disabled brother must make hard choices when she learns her fetus is also compromised in Allegra, Dec. 2–5.
Photo by Tim Trumble.
Who
The ASU School of Theatre and Film in the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts
What
The ASU School of Theatre and Film stages Allegra Dec. 2–5, which is a compelling story of a TV news reporter responsible for her brother who has Down syndrome. When Allegra becomes pregnant and learns that the fetus will most likely have Down syndrome, she is faced with a tragic decision. However, after making her choice, can she explain it to her brother? Allegra is written by Asher Wyndham, an MFA playwriting candidate.
“I wrote Allegra because I didn't want to write it,” Wyndham says. “If a play doesn't make me uncomfortable in some way, there is no point in creating it. I feel this play is more than its politics. It is about the struggle to make a decision and whether or not we can admit the truth when life demands it. It is also about a family whose story I hope is universal.”
Originally from Canada, Wyndham was awarded the John Cauble Award for Outstanding Short Play at the American College Theatre Festival for Cassius Sargent's Chicken Bones in April 2010. His ten-minute play, Fatima & Maama recently was produced in Chicago and will be produced in Sydney, Australia in 2011.
Allegra is directed by William Partlan, School of Theatre and Film professor (Triple Espresso, These Shining Lives), and is a New Works Series workshop production. The New Works Series is a highlight of the School of Theatre and Film’s MainStage Season, where master’s students, faculty and guest artists from across the nation premiere their projects. Workshops and staged readings give the audience an opportunity to experience a play in an early form, and give writers an opportunity to try out new material that is in development. In April 2011, the New Works Series will include a full production of graduate student Christian Krauspe’s drama, In the Penal Colony at the Paul V. Galvin Playhouse.
Where
Lyceum Theatre, 901 S. Forest Mall, ASU Tempe campus
When
Dec. 2–4 at 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 5 at 2 p.m. This production contains adult content. The issue of an adult's right to choose is thematic in this production.
Cost
All tickets are $8. For more information, and to purchase tickets, visit: http://herbergerinstitute.asu.edu/events/viewevent.php?eid=593
Public Contact
Herberger Institute box office, 480.965.6447
ASU School of Theatre and Film, 480.965.5337
http://mainstage.asu.edu
Visit MainStage on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/ASU-School-of-Theatre-Film-MainStage-Season/141384062556129?ref=sgm
The School of Theatre and Film in the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts at Arizona State University provides a comprehensive range of courses in performance and directing; design and production; new work development; theatre and performance studies; film; and theatre for youth. Its Theatre for Youth program is nationally ranked in the top three and the dramatic writing/playwriting program is ranked 15th among public institutions by U.S.News & World Report. To learn more about the School of Theatre and Film, visit theatrefilm.asu.edu.
Media Contact:
Laurie A. Trotta Valenti
ASU School of Theatre and Film
480.965.3381
laurie.trotta@asu.edu