Breaking String Theater Presents WE PLAY CHEKHOV: THE BLACK MONK AND THE BEYONCE, Now thru 8/24

Breaking String's We Play Chekhov includes two of Chekhov's masterful short stories adapted for the stage, presented as a double-bill in what will be the perfect summer night out for any theater-goer. The Black Monk (adapted by Kama Ginkas and translated by John Freedman) depicts Andrei Kovrin - a writer who is visited by an apparition in the form of a monk, dressed in black. The monk bears a tantalizing message: Kovrin's art flows directly from God. But when loved ones suspect a mental illness, this joyful chapter in Kovrin's life becomes a terrifying encounter with madness, megalomania and the mystery of artistic creation.

The second half of our double-bill features the world premiere of playwright Eliza Bent's adaptation of Chekhov's final story, The Fianceé. In Bent's The Beyoncé, a young woman's engagement to a wealthy young man leaves much to be desired. Nadia's search for authentic love and purpose in a small town set her at odds with the community, and she faces the challenge of finding her own destiny in the world. Bent re-imagines Chekhov's wrenching story of love and self-discovery in a voice that is absolutely fresh, unique, and resonant with Chekhov's delicate humor.

Directed by Graham Schmidt with assistant director Bob Jones and featuring performances by noted artists Matt Radford, Ev Lunning, Jr, Noel Gaulin, Kathleen Taylor, Katherine Catmull, Lana Dieterich, and Judd Farris, with design by Ia Enstera (scenic), Pam Fletcher Friday (costumes), Steven Shirey (lights), and Buzz Moran (sound).

WHAT: We Play Chekhov: The Black Monk and The Beyoncé, two short stories adapted for the stage, directed by Graham Schmidt

WHEN: 2014

AUG 14-16 (Thurs-Sat) - 8:00 PM

AUG 17 (Sun) - 5:00 PM

MON AUG 18 (8:00 PM) - PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN

WED AUG 20 (8:00 PM) - PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN

AUG 21-23 (Thurs-Sat) - 8:00 PM

AUG 24 (Sun) - 5:00 PM

WHERE: The Rollins Studio Theater, 701 W Riverside Dr., Austin, TX 78704

TICKETS:

General Admission: $20 - $40 sliding scale

Mon., Aug. 18 & Wed., August 20: Artists Pay-What-You-Can Industry Nights

Student rush tickets released 10 minutes before curtain for all performances: $15

Available at breakingstring.com/tickets and 512-474-LONG (5664)

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