Contacts:         Larry Aldrich/Sandy Smith                             Michael Seel/Cheryl Rizzo

                        Aldrich & Associates                                      The Theatre @ Boston Court

                        sandy@aldrichpr.com                                     michaels@bostoncourt.com

                        Tel: (562) 436-5156                                        Tel: (626) 683-6883

 

"GILGAMESH" WORLD PREMIERE OPENS FOURTH SEASON AT BOSTON COURT

 

PASADENA, Calif., February 2, 2007 -- The Theatre @ Boston Court opens its fourth season with the world premiere adaptation of Stephen Mitchell's new translation of the ancient classic, "Gilgamesh," adapted for the stage and directed by Stephen Sachs. "Gilgamesh" opens March 3, 8 p.m. on the Main Stage at Boston Court, 70 North Mentor Avenue. The production was originally scheduled to open February 24.

 

Gilgamesh, the warrior hero-king, and his friend Enkidu, a naked wild man who has been civilized through the erotic arts of a sexual priestess, set out on an agonizing, unforgettable mythic journey. The most ancient text in the world, "Gilgamesh" remains a powerful reminder of the timeless relevance of love, courage, grief and the search for meaning in life.

 

"Gilgamesh has political and spiritual resonance that is strongly relevant today.  It deals with arrogance versus humility on a world level, as well as profound spiritual questions about death and immortality," said Jessica Kubzansky, co-artistic director at Boston Court. "Stephen Mitchell's version is incredibly accessible, and Stephen Sachs' adaptation for the stage is thrillingly theatrical."

 

The play features Fran Bennett, Cynthia Boorujy, Jack Kandel, Newton Kaneshiro, DeObia Oparei, Cheryl Tsai, Shaheen Vaaz and Will Watkins.

 

Creative team includes Melissa Ficociello, scenic design, Alex Jaeger, costume design, Jeremy Pivnick, lighting design, Ellen Juhlin and Kari Rae Seekins, sound design, Lee Osteen II, original music, Tamica Washington-Miller, choreography, Josh Gordon, fight direction, Austin Switser, video design, Lena Garcia, props and Amy Lieberman, casting.

 

Oparei, in the title role, is a veteran stage, film and TV actor who has worked in the Royal Court and National Theatres in London in such productions as "Clubland" and "Troilus & Cressida." He has performed with the Sydney Theatre Company and the RSC. His film credits include the role of Destroyer in "Doom" and Le Chocolat in "Moulin Rouge."

 

Watkins, who plays Enkidu, has appeared in productions at the Actor's Gang, The Evidence Room and The Long Beach Opera in Los Angeles and La Mona E.T.C in New York. He has also worked in a number of film and TV productions.

 

Director Sachs is a co-founder of the Fountain Theatre and has directed award-winning productions in Los Angeles, Chicago and Minneapolis, including the world premiere of Athol Fugard's "Exits and Entrances," "String of Pearls," "The Road to Mecca" and "After the Fall."  His plays have been performed on many stages, including most recently "Open Window" at the Pasadena Playhouse.

 

Mitchell is widely known for his original and definitive versions of spiritual writings and poetry. Previous translations and anthologies include "The Selected Poetry of Rainer Maria Rilke," the "Book of Job," and "The Enlightened Heart: An Anthology of Sacred Poetry."

 

"Gilgamesh" previews for six performances beginning February 22, opens March 3 and runs Thursdays to Sundays through April 8. Preview tickets are priced at $15 and regular performances cost $30. Senior and student discounts are also available. Tickets can be purchased online at bostoncourt.org or by calling (626) 683-6883. Boston Court is located one block north of Colorado at the corner of Mentor Ave. and Boston Ct. and offers free parking for patrons in the theatre's private lot.

 

"Gilgamesh" is supported in part by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors through the Los Angeles County Arts Commission, Founding Director Z. Clark Branson, and the generous contributions of The Theatre @ Boston Court patrons.

 

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For reservations to Press Night, Saturday, March 3, 8 pm contact: sandy@aldrichpr.com

 

 

CALENDAR

The Theatre @ Boston Court opens its fourth season with the World Premiere adaptation of Stephen Mitchell's new translation of "Gilgamesh," adapted for the stage and directed by Stephen Sachs, on the Main Stage at Boston Court. The most ancient text in the world, "Gilgamesh" remains a powerful reminder of the timeless relevance of love, courage, grief, and the search for meaning in life. Previews February 22 - 25, March 1-2 opens March 3, (rescheduled from February 24) and runs Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. through April 8 at Boston Court, 70 North Mentor, Pasadena. Tickets: $15 previews, $30 regular, available online at bostoncourt.org or the box office at 626-683-6883.