Lynn Nottage's RUINED to Play Everyman Theatre, 2/4-3/8

The Pulitzer Prize winning drama Ruined by Lynn Nottage makes its Baltimore premiere at Everyman Theatre this winter. The epic play features a cast of 17, led by Everyman Resident Company Member Dawn Ursula, who was seen last season as Vera Stark in Nottage's comedic drama By the Way, Meet Vera Stark. The production is directed by internationally acclaimed director Tazewell Thompson and will run from February 4th through March 8th.

"Lynn Nottage is one of the most original voices in the American theatre today," said Everyman Theatre's Artistic Director Vincent Lancisi. "Ruined is a play about the power of the human spirit and the will to survive. There's a reason it won the Pulitzer Prize; it's an extraordinary work of theatre.

Based on real interviews conducted by Lynn Nottage, Ruined transports you into the Congo where the shrewd and savvy matriarch-turned-businesswoman, Mama Nadi, struggles to hold on to her one safe refuge - a brothel - as the world around her disintegrates into war; with women's bodies too often as the battleground. Creating poetry out of brutality and humor and optimism out of tragedy, "Nottage tells a story an audience won't expect" (Time Out New York).

Tazewell Thompson, well known internationally for his work in both the theatrical and operatic world, will make his Everyman Theatre directorial debut with the production. Mr. Thompson has directed at theatres around the world, including Arena Stage (24 productions, where he was an associate director), the Manhattan Theatre Club, Public Theatre/NY Shakespeare Festival, Second Stage, The Guthrie Theatre, The Goodman Theatre, Hartford Stage and Roundabout Theatre Company, among many others. In the operatic world, his work has been seen at La Scala, Paris Opera Bastille, New York City Opera, San Francisco Opera, Glimmerglass Opera, Cape Town Opera, and many more. He received an Emmy nomination for Porgy and Bess: Live from Lincoln Center Television Broadcast. He has also written several plays. Mary T. & Lizzy K. received its world premiere at Arena Stage in 2013. He has had plays commissioned by Lincoln Center Theatre, Arena Stage, South Coast Rep and People's Light & Theatre Company. For the 2015-16 season, he will direct four operas, including the American premiere of Vivaldi's 18th century opera Cato in Utica for Glimmerglass Festival.

Resident Company Member Dawn Ursula will portray Mama Nadi. Ms. Ursula received audience and critical acclaim for her portrayal of Vera Stark in last spring's production of Nottage's By the Way, Meet Vera Stark. She received the City Paper Best Actress Award for her work in the 2011's A Raisin in the Sun. She has also appeared on the Everyman stage in shows including Two Rooms, Doubt and Gem of the Ocean. She won a Helen Hayes Award last spring for her work in Woolly Mammoth's production of The Convert. As a Resident Company Member at Woolly Mammoth, as well, she has been seen in their recent productions of Marie Antoinette, The Totalitarians, We are Proud to Present..., Clybourne Park and Eclipsed.

Joining Ms. Ursula on stage will be fellow Resident Company Member Bruce Randolph Nelson. Mr. Nelson was last seen in the holiday smash hit Deathtrap. He will portray the role of Harari. Mr. Nelson will also be seen in the next two productions at Everyman - Ibsen's Ghosts and Coward's Blithe Spirit.

The cast includes two graduates and three current students from the Baltimore School for the Arts. Khalil Clash, Morgan McAdory and Elias Ramos are current seniors at BSA and will be featured in the ensemble. Monique Ingram (Salima) and Keith Leroyal (Ensemble) are recent graduates of BSA.

Due to the overwhelming success of the 2013/14 season, Everyman has expanded its productions for the upcoming season to include five weeks of performances. Ruined runs from February 4th through March 8th, offering performances Wednesday through Sunday, with selected Tuesday evening and Wednesday matinee performances.

Tickets for Ruined are now on sale and range in price from $10 to $60. Tickets may be purchased by calling 410.752.2208, visiting www.everymantheatre.org or in person at 315 W. Fayette Street.

SPECIAL EVENTS:

New Event! World of the Play Panel Discussion Series: "You Will Not Fight Your Battles on My Body Anymore"

Saturday, February 21st at 5PM (between the matinee and evening performances)

In 2014, Hillary Clinton declared rape a weapon of mass destruction. Global media coverage has brought important attention to the dehumanizing atrocities associated with war, demonstrating that oppression through gender-based violence is common-place in war torn nations. Unfortunately, this violence is not reserved for developing countries, as our own streets are battlefields where women barter themselves for basic survival. Come participate in a dynamic conversation around sex, power and oppression inspired by Ruined. Panelists will provide perspectives from both home and abroad.

Tickets: $15 (student discounts available). Call 410.752.2208 or visit www.everymantheatre.org.

Post-Show Talk Back Discussion: Thursday, February 26th

(following the 7:30 PM performance)

A post-show Talk Back with the cast will be held immediately following the show on February 26th. Call 410.752.2208 or visit www.everymantheatre.org for more details.

Everyman Theatre is a professional Equity theatre company celebrating the actor, with a resident company of artists from the Baltimore/DC area. Founded in 1990 by Vincent Lancisi, the theatre is dedicated to engaging the audience through a shared experience between actor and audience seeking connection and emotional truth in performance. Everyman is committed to presenting high quality plays that are affordable and accessible to everyone.

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