Bruce Jones and Joe Loper to Star in A FATIMA at Theatre Row

A FATIMA (Adapted from the full length play The Chalice) written by Emily Claire Schmitt, will be premiered at Theater Row's Acorn Theater, as part of the New York New Work's Theatre Festival on September 5th at 7pm, and September 15th at 2pm.

In A FATIMA, a young gay man, Alex (Jones) confronts the the spirit of Pope Pius XII (Loper), who was pope during the Second World War and who many believe fell short in his attempts to protect those persecuted by Nazi Germany. Pius has been tasked with inspiring a "true conversion of heart" in one person in order to escape from Purgatory. But how can a man who failed to help so many turn anyone to God? This strikingly relevant play examines the Church's complicity in crimes both past and present and explores the true meaning of redemption.

This Off-Broadway presentation is directed by Dianna Garten (Spinoza's Ethics); and stars Bruce Jones (The Chalice w/ Austin Pendleton) and Joe Loper (Gruesome Playground Injuries at Desotelle Studios).

The play's full length version The Chalice was previously produced at the Stonewall Inn by Xavier Theatre Company starring Austin Pendleton (as Pope Pius XII), and before that it was produced as a full production at The New School for Drama.

The evening will include an array of other plays and musicals from the festival. Tickets can be purchased at www.nynwtheatrefestival.com