Crossroads Theatre Co Presents Train to 2010 10/13-24

Crossroads Theatre Company In association with the University of Missouri- Kansas City Presents the World Premiere of Train to 2010

Written by Sibusiso Mamba and co-created with Ricardo Khan and the World Theatre Lab, Johannesburg, South Africa

In Train to 2010 the audience enters the new South Africa as one of the world's youngest democracies prepares to host soccer's most prestigious event--the FIFA World Cup. Two men are working beneath the city of Johannesburg digging what is to become the underground railway that will bring the world to South Africa. These two laborers become "trapped" on a fast-moving train that is hurtling through the darkness snaking its way to 2010; there are forces at work here that they are unable to comprehend.

The two laborers are supported by a cast of nine to create a highly physical ensemble drama that examines the human dynamics of hope in present day South Africa. As the men confront their deepest fears, secrets, dreams and visions, this energetic play examines and attempts to celebrate the spirit of hope in a fragile and vibrant South Africa.

Sibusiso Mamba was born in the Kingdom of Swaziland and is a 2002 graduate of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. Sibusiso is an actor, playwright, screenwriter and producer. He has co-created and written for many television series in South Africa, including Isidingo, Bay of Plenty, Hope Springs, Shadows of Justice, After Nine and Iyakhuluma. He has also written two radio plays for the BBC: Taxi, for BBC Radio 4 and Sagila, for the BBC World Service. Sibusiso also co-founded a Production Company that produced the series Innocent Times for MNET Television. In 2006 and 2007 he was Associate Lecturer for Drama at the University of Witwatesrand in Johannesburg. He is a Patron and Trustee of Interactive Themba Theatre which is a South African organization that uses theatre to combat stigma, create dialogue and influence behavioral change with regards to HIV/AIDS. In 2005 Mamba participated in a World Theatre Lab workshop in Johannesburg where he developed, along with Crossroads' co-founder Ricardo Khan, the concepts that lead to Train to 2010. The World Theatre Lab is a multi-national writers' collective that was formed by Khan and is based in Johannesburg, London and New York.

Ricardo Khan is the co-founder of and Resident Director of Crossroads Theatre Company. His creative reach extends globally to South Africa and London where he has based his newest endeavor, an international writers' collective called The World Theatre Lab. Mr. Khan is also a resident director at Lincoln Center Institute at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York, a visiting professor in the graduate theatre program for the University of Missouri in Kansans City, and an often active member of the Market Theatre In Johannesburg. Most recent directing credits include the 20th anniversary production of Sheila's Day at the Market Theatre, Crossroads and Hartford Stage, Quindaro at UMKC, and Fly at Lincoln Center, Crossroads and the Vineyard Playhouse on Martha's Vineyard for which he is also co-writer. He has directed Melba Moore in her autobiographical Sweet Songs of the Soul, Ruby Dee in Flyin' West, and Sandra Reaves Phillips in Late Great Ladies of Blues and Jazz internationally and at the Apollo Theatre. Mr. Khan served on the producing team of the Tony Award nominated It Ain't Nothin' But the Blues in 2000 and was Associate Director of the Earth, Wind and Fire Broadway musical Hot Feet! in 2006.

Listing Information
October 13-24
Train to 2010
A World Premiere
Written by Sibusiso Mamba and co-created with Ricardo Khan and the World Theatre Lab, Johannesburg, South Africa and Directed by Ricardo Khan.

Train to 2010 is a fast paced and highly theatrical play where the audience shares the excitement of the new South Africa as the country prepares to host the World Cup. Two workers who are trapped on a fast moving train-one yet not completed-encounter the people of contemporary South Africa while catching glimpses of the country's dramatic past. A cast of eleven represents all South Africans facing the challenging odds for a future that is bright and the dream of a new nation for everyone.

Performances: Evenings at 8:00 October 13-16 and October 21-23.
Matinees at 3:00 October 17, 23, and 24..
Press Night/Opening Night: Saturday October 16 at 8:00 PM
Tickets: $40 - $50 may be purchased on line at www.CrossroadsTheatreCompany.org or by calling 732-545-8100.
Location: Crossroads Theatre, 7 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Website: www.CrossroadsTheatreCompany.org
Telephone: 732-545-8100

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