Theatre Pro Rata Stages ELEPHANT'S GRAVEYARD at Nimbus Theatre Tonight

Tonight, February 15th, 2014 Theatre Pro Rata will open the area premiere of Elephant's Graveyard by George Brant at Nimbus Theatre in Minneapolis, MN.

Elephant's Graveyard tells the true tale of the tragic collision between a struggling circus and a tiny town in Tennessee, which resulted in the only known lynching of an elephant. Set in September of 1916, the play combines historical fact and legend, exploring the deep-seated American craving for spectacle, violence and revenge.

When asked what about Elephant's Graveyard seems to resonate with audiences, playwright George Brant said, "I think it gives the audience something to mourn, it's very cleansing. It also reminds us that we have the potential to go very wrong every once in a while; it's a fairly sobering thought."

Director Amber Bjork said of the production, "We'll be performing at Nimbus Theatre for the first time, and I'm really excited about using that space. [Lighting designer] Julia [Carlis] will get a playground for her lighting and our musicians are going to make that stage breathe with sound and music."

The play features Wade A. Vaughn, star of last year's Ivey Award-winning Compleat Female Stage Beauty, as the Ringmaster. Also included in the cast of 15 is previous Pro Rata actor Theo Langason who, in addition to playing The Guitarist, will also be the production's music director.

Playwright George Brant is in his second year as a Core Writer at the Playwrights' Center in Minneapolis, which among other things brings him to town occasionally to workshop plays currently under development. Mr. Brant will be in attendance for the opening night performance.

Since 2001 Pro Rata, Latin for "in proportion," has produced smart, vivid, varied, and gutsy theater in the Twin Cities. Focusing on the text of the play, the company offers performers and audiences the chance to engage the characters, themes and language more completely. Ranging from classic dramas to modern black comedies, Theatre Pro Rata produces scripts that engender this exploration while still bringing visceral theatrical experiences to the stage.

Recent accolades for Pro Rata include rave reviews, record-breaking attendance, and multiple BroadwayWorld Award nominations for its production of Emilie: La Marquise du Châtelet Defends Her Life Tonight (2013); T Bone N Weasel being named one of the top ten productions of the year (2012 City Pages); and three year end mentions for Waiting for Godot (2011, Star Tribune, Pioneer Press, and City Pages).

Theatre Pro Rata utilizes a unique sliding scale for ticketing, allowing patrons to name their own price from $14 to $41.

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