SIX CHARACTERS to Premiere at La MaMa, 3/31-4/16

SIX CHARACTERS - a new puppet and multi-media work created by the renowned writer-director Theodora Skipitares, and inspired by Luigi Pirandello's classic play SIX CHARACTERS IN SEARCH OF AN AUTHOR - will be given its world premiere production this spring, presented by La MaMa in association with Skysaver Productions at the Ellen Stewart Theatre (66 E. 4 St.), with performances March 31 to April 16. Press opening is April 3. SIX CHARACTERS is directed, designed and adapted by Theodora Skipitares and marks a milestone as the 25th play she's created in 30 years on stage.

Featuring giant puppet figures, video and live music by Sxip Shirey, SIX CHARACTERS explores family dynamics, reality vs. illusion and feelings of displacement in today's world. Highlights of the production are guest appearances by Margaret Mead, the legendary anthropologist, and Pirandello himself.

Pirandello's expansive body of work includes THE IMBECILE and THE MAN WITH THE FLOWER IN HIS MOUTH. Pirandello is considered one of the forefathers of the Theater of the Absurd movement. SIX CHARACTERS IN SEARCH OF AN AUTHOR is the late Italian writer's exploration of the relationship between authors, their characters and theater artists.

The cast of SIX CHARACTERS features Jane Catherine Shaw, Jan Leslie Harding, Thomas Walker, Jordan Morton, Accra Shepp and Chris Ignacio. Set design is by Obie winner Donald Eastman and dramaturgy is by Andrea Balis.

Ms. Skipitares' many works include the epic THE AGE OF INVENTION examining three centuries of American invention, including 300 puppets; DEFENDERS OF THE CODE about the history of eugenics; THE RADIANT CITY about Robert Moses; and three plays about the Trojan War: HELEN, ODYSSEY and IPHIGENIA, which earned two NY Innovative Theatre Awards. Recent works: THE WOMEN OF TROY, LYSISTRATA, PROMETHEUS WITHIN and an adaptation of Ionesco's THE CHAIRS in 2014. A Fulbright Fellow, she has worked in India, creating plays and teaching at art academies and theater schools, for 15 years.

SIX CHARACTERS will perform March 31-April 16 - Thursdays thru Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 4 p.m.

Tickets are $25. $20 for students/seniors. With 10 for $10 also available.

To purchase: visit www.lamama.org or call 646 430 5374.