Aurora Theatre Presents TRANCED, Previews 1/12/2010

This January, Aurora Theatre invites you to curl up with the fascinating psychological drama Tranced, by nationally renowned playwright and psychologist Bob Clyman. Dr. Phillip Malaad, a highly respected psychiatrist famous for "trancing," helps his patients uncover suppressed memories. As he trances Azmera, a foreign grad student, Phillip discovers a secret that may have dire consequences for an already struggling country. Phillip relies on building a relationship with an ambitious journalist who has a connection with the Director of African Affairs. As the play unfolds, the action spirals into quite an unexpected conclusion.

An exceptional team of artists has been assembled for this regional premiere at Aurora Theatre. In his final performance as an Atlanta-based actor, Maurice Ralston (ALLIANCE THEATRE, Shakespeare Tavern) makes his Aurora Theatre debut as the enigmatic Phillip. The talented cast also includes: Naima Carter Russell (A Year with Frog & Toad, Aurora Theatre; Antigone, Georgia Shakespeare), Cara Mantella (Dracula, Aurora Theatre; Mauritius, Actor's Express) and Chad Martin (Dracula, Aurora Theatre; Tradin' Paint, Theatre in the Square). This accomplished ensemble is under the direction of Aurora Artistic Associate Susan Reid (Duets, Annie Get Your Gun). Tranced also marks the return of lighting designer Jessica Coale, Suzi Bass Award winner for outstanding achievement in lighting with last season's Once On This Island.

About the Playwright

Bob Clyman (Playwright) - is a flourishing playwright who has won countless awards and had his plays produced across the county. In addition to being an up and coming playwright, he is also a clinical psychologist. Mr. Clyman's plays have been performed across the U.S. in off-Broadway theatres and at the Denver Center Theatre, George Street Playhouse, Williamstown Theatre Festival, Colony Studio Theatre (Los Angeles), Missouri Rep, and Mill Mountain Theatre (Roanoke, Va.). His plays have also toured in Scotland. Mr. Clyman has been awarded a number of national prizes such as the Eugene O'Neill Summer Conference Fellowship, New Jersey State Council on the Arts Award, Edward Albee Foundation Fellowship and Shenandoah Valley Playwrights Fellowship. This production of Tranced at The Aurora Theatre is a regional premiere.

"Tranced will showcase four great actors using every bit of their craft to bring this play to life. By combining mystery, intrigue, politics, and a healthy dose of "nothing is as it appears," Clyman has created a play that challenges actors and will mesmerize audiences," explains Anthony Rodriguez, Aurora Theatre Producing Artistic Director. "My role as an artistic leader in the community is to find fresh, new works like Tranced and give local audiences a chance to experience them. That is what is so exciting to me about producing a regional premiere."

Cast & Crew