Thom Fogarty to Direct LILLIAN SMITH BEING HEARD at THE LOFT at Judson, 11/7-16

Thom Fogarty** will direct LILLIan Smith BEING HEARD, written and performend by Lulu Fogarty*, which will be presented November 7, 8, 9, 14, 15 and 16, 2013 at 7pm by the 360 Repertory Company (260REPCO) in THE LOFT at Judson Church. This intimate production of Lulu Fogarty's exciting one woman show, will include a Special Appearance byLorna Hampson*. Music by "Blue" Gene Tyranny. Video by Anja Hitzenberger. Lighting and Stage design by Thom Fogarty.

In LILLIan Smith BEING HEARD, Lulu Fogarty explores the intersection of her life growing up in America today with that of LillIan Smith's. LillIan Smith (1897-1966) was a white Southern liberal, unafraid to criticize segregation at a time when such actions almost guaranteed ostracism. LillIan Smith devoted her writing career to fighting against racism, segregation, and sexism in America. Lulu Fogarty tells of this brave woman's life-long struggle to be heard, in her own words and on her own terms.

LILLIan Smith BEING HEARD asks the audience to consider who they choose to segregate themselves from. And why. In a post 9/11America where immigration, gay rights, gun control and Homeland Security occupy the headlines, who are we really afraid of? It concludes that while we have come a long way toward creating a world of acceptance, there is still a long way to go.

Lulu Fogarty* (actor and playwright) is a native New Yorker, born and raised in Greenwich Village. NYC: LillIan Smith: Being Heard(Syracuse Stage, Theatre Row, Dixon Place), SURRENDER (2009 Drama Desk Nomination: Unique Theatrical Experience), Christmas Rappings (dir. Russ Treyz), Henry V (dir. Adam Patterson); Eurydice, Desdemona, The Artifacts, The Mentee (dir. Thom Fogarty). International: Taiwan National Tours of Gramdpa's Dream and The Toy Box; Embedded (Edinburgh International Fringe Festival); A Comedy of Errors Workshop (Shakespeare's Globe, London). Regional: Steel Magnolias (dir. Russ Treyz). BFA: Syracuse University. Studies with Terry Schreiber. www.lulufogarty.com

Thom Fogarty** has been active in NYC's downtown theater since 1977, appearing in dance and theatre productions, and creating works with Joseph Chaikin (The Open Theater), Paul Zimet (The Talking Band), Judson Poets Theater, DV8 Physical Theatre (London), and H.M. Koutoukas ("Dead at Sea," based on Mr. Koutoukas' journal entries). He has taught movement and performance throughout the U.S. and Europe. Since changing his focus to directing in 2011 he has directed: Eurydice by Sarah Ruhl (The Bridge NYC); Bad Connections? by Michael Levesque (Edmonton, Hollywood, Orlando, Toronto, Santa Cruz and Vancouver Fringe Festivals) ; Cross Hatch (staged reading at Judson Church) by Peter Mercurio; Hell Is Where The Heart Is (Gene Frankel Theater), by Melissa Skirboll for the Planet Connections Festival (which received 3 nominations for acting, as well as his win for Outstanding Lighting Design); In The Name Of God by Peter Cohen (Judson Church, NYC); Desdemona by Paula Vogel (The Bridge, NYC); Being Heard by Lulu Fogarty (Dixon Place, United Solo Festival, Theater Row NYC and Syracuse University); and 10 Tall Tales About The Men I Love (which he adapted from a short story by Ronn Smith). He directed the critically acclaimed World Premieres of Steven Fechter's The Artifacts and The Mentee. He is an Associate Member of Stage Directors and Choreographers Society and the Drama League.

"Blue" Gene Tyranny was born in San Antonio, Texas, in 1945, and has lived in each of the four corners of mainland USA. During the late 50's he studied with pianists Meta Herwig and Rodney Hoare, composers Otto Wich and Frank Hughes, and organized new music events in Texas with composer Philip Krumm, including several festivals at the McNay Art Institute, premiering works by Cage, Corner, Maxfield, Ono and others. His theater and dance collaboratins include works with the Talking Banc, Pat Oleszko, dancers Timothy Buckley (Proximology, Breakneck Hotel, the PBS short ENDANCE, etc), Rocky Bornstein, the Bill T. Jones/Artie Zane Dance Company, the Creach/Koester Company's, live electronic music for Stefa Zawerucha and many of the Otrabanda Company's plays including Brain Café, ReRoom and Simpatico. He has received a Bessie Award for Composition, a NYFA Composer Fellowship, a NYSCA grant, and an Obie for musical production. This is his fourth collaboration with Thom Fogarty.

Lorna Hampson* is thrilled to be reprising the role of Mammy in LillIan Smith Being Heard, having recently completed a successful run with Peculiar Works' Manna-Hata. Her work has been seen On & Off Broadway in shows including 'SHOWBOAT' and 'FOR COLORED GIRLS...,' as well as nationally & internationally (Deutsche Oper Berlin, UniRio, and Orquestra Valencia, et al). With a repertoire that ranges the musical gamut, Miss Hampson's soaring and lyrical voice has lent itself to genres as diverse as gospel, blues, jazz, R&B, musical theater, oratorio, and opera. Hailed as "a singer whose talent and grace embraces and envelops you, both on and off the stage", she has inspired composers in the fields of jazz, gospel and opera to create works for her. Proud AEA Member.

*Indicates member of Actor's Equity Association (AEA).
**Indicates Associate member of Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC).