Primal Forces Productions' REDWOOD CURTAIN to Benefit South Broward Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8195

Landford Wilson's Redwood Curtain is a thought-provoking exploration of memories - of families, of secrets, and of war - set in the towering redwood forests of Northern California. The play stunned 1992 Broadway audiences with its unique spin on a Vietnam veteran and the mysterious young Asian woman who tracks him down.

Primal Forces Productions will present this powerful commentary on the effects of war and remembrance from April 17th through May 3rd at Andrews Living Arts in Fort Lauderdale. And in keeping with the play's theme, a percentage of the production's revenue will be donated to Broward County's VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) Post 8195.

"With Redwood Curtain Primal Forces concludes its three-play series on the effects of the counterculture on today's generation," says producer Keith Garsson. "The play was written by Pulitzer Prize-winner Lanford Wilson, who was an early force in the off-Broadway theatre of the 1960s and 70s. This being the last of our trilogy, we are finishing on a lighter and more hopeful tone than was presented in both The Anarchist and Sunset Baby.

"Wilson's characters are usually lost or forgotten Americans, left high and dry by events beyond their control," Garsson continues, "However his characters eschew preaching and sermonizing and have accepted their fate - presented as headstrong forces within the ensuing drama. Redwood Curtain adds a new touch: the character of Geri, a young woman who endures a lonely and mysterious journey into the Redwood Forest to seek answers to her own past, but learns some shattering truths along the way."

"Redwood Curtain was Wilson's last show produced for Broadway, however, as in our prior productions we felt the intimacy of the drama would be enhanced by the up-close-and-personal setting of Andrews Living Arts," Garsson explains. "And we're fortunate to have a South Florida legend, set designer Tim Bennett, who has recreated one of the most beautiful areas of the country on stage."

The production will star Ethan Henry, Laura Turnbull, and newcomer Amarie Lee.

Henry who received rave reviews in Primal Forces' recent production of Sunset Baby, is fascinated by his character, and the play: "This is one of the most challenging plays I've ever read," he says. "My character, Lyman Fellers, has chosen to seclude himself in the woods, and he wants to be left alone; but he's forced to look inside himself when he's confronted by someone else."

The Florida Veterans of Foreign Wars has a rich tradition of serving veterans, military families and their local communities. Twenty-three members of Post 8195, under the guidance of Post Commander Bobby White, recently collaborated on a book titled Post 8195: Black Soldiers Tell Their Vietnam Stories. The entire proceeds from the play's opening night performance and reception as well as a percentage of the funds generated by all Redwood Curtain ticket sales will be donated to Post 8195; the book will be available for sale at Andrews Living Arts during the run of the play.

Tickets for Redwood Curtain are $25 ($12.50 for veterans) and can be purchased on line at www.primalforcesproductions.com, or by phone at 866-811-4111. Andrews Living Arts Studio is located at 23 NW Fifth Street in Fort Lauderdale.

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