Round House Theatre Presents the World Premiere of CROWN OF SHADOWS, 4/11-5/6

A modern take on The Odyssey comes to Round House Theatre next in the world premiere of Crown of Shadows: the wake of odysseus by Jason Gray Platt. Directed by Producing Artistic Director Blake Robison, Crown of Shadows is onstage at Round House Theatre Bethesda from April 11 thru May 6, 2012.

Tickets range in price from $10 to $61 and may be purchased by calling 240.644.1100, online at www.roundhousetheatre.org, or at Round House’s box office in Bethesda. Round House Theatre Bethesda is located at 4545 East-West Highway, one block from Wisconsin Avenue and the Bethesda station on Metro’s Red Line.

“Jason Gray Platt is a major new voice in the American theatre and I am thrilled that we are producing the world premiere of his Crown of Shadows at Round House Theatre,” said Blake Robison. “Jason has unleashed his furtive imagination on a classic tale and produced a powerful, totally contemporary piece of theatre. Bringing remarkable new works like this to the stage is an important part of our mission at Round House.”

Crown of Shadows uses contemporary language and leanings to paint a chilling portrait of the family the warrior leaves behind. The war is abroad but the battle is at home.

Penelope and her teenage son Telemachus struggle to maintain control on Ithaca while waiting for Odysseus to return. As Penelope navigates the political waters of countless suitors, Telemachus, in his turbulent youth, chafes against both the bombardment of potential usurpers and his father’s legacy. With pressure for a successor mounting, they battle two outsiders for control over the island, with a shocking ending that can’t be found in Homer’s saga.

Crown of Shadows is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Crown of Shadows: the wake of odysseus is made possible by generous support from Jan & Don Boardman.

Crown of Shadows is recommended for age 17 and above as it contains brief nudity and mature themes.