THE LEGEND OF COMMUNIPAW to Premiere in Jersey City, 12/5-15

"A Legend of Communipaw: The Play," based on the Washington Irving short story of the same name, is making its world premiere this fall from Dec. 5 through 15 in Jersey City, Hudson County, N.J.

The story, which is set in 17-century Jersey City, follows the partnership of two men who meet in Communipaw in the early years of British governance -- one Dutch, one African, both with outsider attitudes -- who join forces to achieve what neither could alone. Along the way, they face pirates, riotous parties, threat of persecution, sea storms and in classic Irving fashion, even the supernatural.

The themes in "A Legend of Communipaw," including commercial ambition and pan-ethnic business and personal relationships, are rooted firmly in the early days of European settlement and are as familiar and fresh to people today as they were to Washington Irving almost 200 years ago.

"This play combines history, literature and theater is a new way that offers entertainment and education in one delicious serving. It is set and staged in the same geographic area, and also has global appeal for its story and context in international history and current global realities that cannot be separated from the events of the play," said director Trish Szymanski.

"More than ever, a popular understanding of the impact of history is needed to engage more parts of society to make change, not only in academic settings but also in entertainment and a variety of cultural programming."

Each evening will begin with a talk about the New Netherland period as well as the impact of Dutch culture in Jersey City and beyond by a local historian and expert in the field from the Jersey City Landmarks Conservancy.

This will be the directorial debut of Jersey City actress and artist Trish Szymanski, who also adapted the play using only Irving's words and plays Floris Valstrikker, a supporting role.

The play stars Yvonne Hernandez, Charles Herrion and Tim Kutka. Supporting actors include Mike Fass, John Jayme, Julia Lomba, Dolores Reyes, Juliette Reyes, Trish Szymanski, Patrick Taaffe, John Timon and Mitchell Vargas.

The production will also feature set design by artist Loura van der Meule and music by ethnomusicologist and world-music specialist Neva Wartell.

"A Legend of Communipaw" will run Thursdays through Sundays from Dec. 5 through 15 at 7:30 pm except for two showtimes: Saturday, Dec. 14 at 8 pm and Sunday, Dec. 8 at 3 pm. All shows will be at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 38 Duncan Ave., Jersey City, NJ. Tickets are $20, $10 for students and seniors and are available at ALegendofCommunipaw.brownpapertickets.com.

VIP tickets are available for $30 and include priority seating with advance sale and a copy of the mastered audio recording of the original Washington Irving short story read by director Trish Szymanski.

For more information, visit http://www.Facebook.com/ALegendOfCommunipawThePlay.

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