DRIVE Plays Open Fist, Runs May 4-June 8

Playwrights 6 and Open Fist Theatre Company are proud to present the world premiere of "Drive," which tells the story of an ambitious woman who is involved in a near fatal car accident and her attempts to piece together what actually occurred and the life-changing aftermath. Part tragedy, part comedy, part jarring dream, "Drive" examines the themes of deconstruction and reconstruction, denial and guilt and ultimately forgiveness.

Performances are at 8 p.m. Wednesdays, opening May 4 through June 8 at The Open Fist Theatre, 6209 Santa Monica Blvd. Hollywood, CA 90038.

The show will be running in rep with the world premiere "Fernando Richardson's Treacherous Brain," also a Playwrights 6-Open Fist co-production, on Thursdays May 5 through June 9. This is the first time Playwrights 6 and Open Fist have collaborated on productions.

The new play - told in a surreal, jarring fashion - is written and directed by Los Angeles-based Laura Black. In addition to Jane Hajduk, the cast also includes Beth Robbins, Susan Sommer, Barry Saltzman, AlgeRita Lewis, Allison Mattox, Coronado Romero, and Joseph Beck

Black is the award-winning writer/director of both theatre and film. Her plays have been produced in Los Angeles, New York and Florida. In addition to "Drive," Black has directed 19 other plays, many of which have garnered "Best of" and "Critic's Pick." She has also won writing awards in Los Angeles and New York. Her films have enjoyed screenings throughout the world, garnering global distribution, and have received "Best in Fest," "Silver Apple," "Best Drama," and "Audience Choice" awards. Black is a founding member of Playwrights 6.

Playwrights 6, founded in 1999, is one of an elite group of playwright-managed theater companies in Los Angeles. Playwrights 6 productions have earned nominations or awards from such organizations as L.A. Weekly Theatre Awards, BackStage West Garland Awards, and GLAAD L.A. Outstanding Theatre Awards. Playwrights 6 productions have also made several "Critics Top 10" lists and garnered several "Critic's Picks."

The Open Fist Theatre Company was founded in 1990 by five graduates of Cal State Fullerton. Under the Artistic Directorship of Ziad Hamzeh, the company immediately established its reputation as a cutting edge ensemble, willing to tackle difficult plays. Under the leadership of present Artistic Director Martha Demson, the company has evolved into a collective, self-producing artistic enterprise with all facets of its operation run by its artist members.

Tickets are $25, with an opening night gala for $35. Discounts (except for opening night) will be available on GoldStar and LAStage Tix. For further information on tickets, please go to www.openfist.org or call (323) 882-6912.

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