Owing to an indefinite delay in the processing of international work visas, British actress Hannah D. Scott has assumed the role of Hana Pravda in the American premiere of the award-winning Czech stage drama THE GOOD AND THE TRUE, now in previews at Off-Broadway's DR2 Theatre (103 E. 15th St.).
Ms. Scott steps into the role for Isobel Pravda, who was slated to reprise the role she originated in the U.K. and Belgian touring production of the acclaimed two-character drama last year.
Isobel Pravda's international work visa has been delayed due to the much-reported computer glitch in the U.S. State Department's global database. It is unclear when Ms. Pravda's work visa will be fully processed.
"While we're saddened by the unforeseen issues with Isobel Pravda's work visa, I am so pleased that Hannah Scott has stepped up to take on this wonderfully complex and challenging role," said lead producer Brian Daniels. "In a matter of only three short days, Ms. Scott managed to learn the entire part -- a full 18 monologues -- and was completely off-book as of yesterday afternoon's final dress rehearsal! It was her incredible discipline and remarkable interpretation of Hana Pravda that gave us all the confidence to commence preview performances last night. She is the consummate professional, and it shows!"
Originally from the U.K., Hannah D. Scott trained at The Central School of Speech and Drama in London. She regularly worked in both regional and London theatres including The Salisbury Playhouse and London Palladium. She moved to New York to study at Circle in the Square and since graduating has worked Off-Broadway, regionally and in several feature films, including The Dark Knight Rises, Another Side of Brooklyn and Dark Haul.
Co-starring Saul Reichlin in the role he originated -- Holocaust survivor Milos Dobry -- the Opening Night for the eight-week American premiere engagement of THE GOOD AND THE TRUE remains as originally scheduled for Sunday, August 3.
Direct from celebrated tours in the United Kingdom and Belgium, THE GOOD AND THE TRUE was conceived and originally produced under the auspices of Prague's acclaimed leading repertory theatre Svandovo Divadlo.
THE GOOD AND THE TRUE is written by Daniel Hrbek, Tomas Hrbek and Lucie Kolouchova, and adapted as an English language version by Brian Daniels. It is helmed by award-winning Czech director Daniel Hrbek.
The play intertwines the true testimonies of two extraordinary people -- Czech athlete Milos Dobry and actress Hana Pravda. They both spent their working lives building suspense, knocking crowds into submission and drawing gasps and acclaim from spectators -- but this pales in significance compared to their earlier lives enduring the indignities of incarceration and survival at the hands of occupied Czechoslovakia in the 1930s.
THE GOOD AND THE TRUE chronicles the experiences of these two remarkable people -- both of whom were true survivors in every sense of the word. Did they possess exceptional qualities, or was their survival just good luck?
THE GOOD AND THE TRUE is produced with the support of the City of Prague, Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic, Czech Centre in New York, Czech Mission to the United Nations in New York, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Rakovsky & Partners, the World Jewish Congress and New End Theatre Beyond in London. The production will conclude its American premiere engagement on Sunday, September 14. For more information, visit www.GoodAndTruePlay.com.
Photo by: Jeremy Daniel
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