Treason--a Play About Ezra Pound--Opens Off-Bway June 15

The Perry Street Theatre Company Inc. will present the world premiere of Treason, a new play by Sallie Bingham, directed by Martin Platt. Treason will begin performances on June 8th, and open June 15th for a run through July 29th at The Perry Street Theatre (31 Perry Street).

"Treason tells the extraordinary story of American iconoclast, poet, composer, translator, anti-Semite, racist, and, possibly the traitor, Ezra Pound – and the five women in his life," state production notes. "Considered by many to be the most important poet of the 20th Century, Treason follows Pound from his broadcasts for Radio Rome railing against the U.S. involvement in World War II, through 1945, when he was arrested and jailed on 19 charges of treason. Declared 'mentally unfit for trial' he was remanded to St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Washington D.C. for 12 years. Pound was released only after a long campaign waged by fellow writers such as Ernest Hemingway and T.S. Eliot. Treason examines the quintessential poet and firebrand, Ezra Pound, who betrayed his country, his art, his wife, his mistress and everyone he knew."

The cast includes Philip Pleasants (Ezra Pound), Jennifer Sternberg (Dorothy Shakespeare Pound), Mary Bacon (Marcella Spann), Kathleen Early (Sherri Martinelli), Peter van Wagner (Dr. Overholser), Angela Reed (Mary Rudge), Damon Gupton (Whiteside/Micheaux). The creative team includes: Bill Clarke (sets), Martha Hally (costumes), Jeff Nellis (lighting), Lindsay Jones (sound) and Brian Kim (projections).

Bingham has written six novels including Transgression, Straight Man, and Passion & Prejudice. Her plays have been produced throughout the country, including at NYC's Women's Project and Productions; they include Milk of Paradise, In the Presence and Hopscotch.

Treason will run Monday – Thursday at 7:30; Friday-Saturday 8PM, with Saturday matinees at 3PM (no Sunday performances). Tickets are $45 (student rush, valid ID needed, pending availability). To purchase tickets, visit www.smarttix.com or call (212) 868-4444. For more information, visit www.perrystreettheatre.com.