The Ward Acting Studio Plays Lanford Wilson's BALM IN GILEAD Through 5/10

The Ward Acting Studio, known for its intensive acting programs based on the Meisner technique, its intimate and innovative productions, and a strong ensemble cast that is the product of the studio's rigorous training - is currently performing Lanford Wilson's Balm in Gilead at its West 28th Street theater in New York.

The Ward Studio's provocative interpretation of Wilson's first full-length play takes place in the kind of New York greasy spoon frequented in the ‘60's by "hustlers, prostitutes, addicts and drag queens who are in search of a fight, a f*ck, a fix or just a cup of coffee."

Wendy Ward, founder and director of the company, creates an up close and personal experience for the audience, seating them amongst the play's characters in this gritty New York diner, and making them an integral part of the theatrical experience. The authentic and cleverly designed set takes full advantage of every inch of its small venue, and also devised multi-media elements to add yet another dimension to the production.

"Live truthfully under imaginary circumstances," is the credo of the Meisner technique, and the ensemble cast of The Ward Studio Company's compelling production of Wilson's first full-length effort does just that.

The lead female character of the play is Darlene, performed masterfully by Belgium born actress Mathilde Dratwa, whose talents are showcased in a a 17-minute monolgue. Before joining The Ward Company's roster of international players, she honed her acting skills earning degrees from Cambridge University and the Drama Centre London, as well as by participating in the multi award-winning Labyrinth Theatre Company's Master Class. Although her international credits include the lead role in "Electre" at the Theatre de la Digue (Toulouse, France), Marya in "The Government Inspector", performed as part of a showcase at the Vakhtangov Institute (Moscow, Russia), Hermia in "A Midsummer Nights Dream", also performed as a showcase, at Shakespeare's Globe (London, UK) and the emotionally challenging part of the nurse/messenger in "Oedipus the King", performed in Ancient Greek at the Cambridge Arts Theatre (England), playing the lead female in the Ward Studio's production of Balm in Gilead is her first US role.

Joe, the lead male character, is performed by Stanislav Kulchitsky, a New York-based actor whose credits include the lead role of Marc Anthony in Julius Caesar as well as Picasso in Picasso at the Lapin Agile. Actors Andrian Andrianopoulos, Lynne Epstein, John Wiggins and Raymond Testa complement the ensemble production with their skilled and authentic performances.

An ongoing calendar of productions provides The Ward Acting Studio's students with a unique opportunity to showcase their talents. Its full-time six-week intensive program offers students expert training and significant growth in a short period of time. A part-time acting program provides an alternative for actors who want to sharpen their skills without a full-time commitment.

International students, such as Mathilde Dratwa, can take advantage of The Ward Studio's trainee program after completing their Six-Week Intensive, which allows them to continue their Meisner training, while participating in the Performance Studio, where they further develop their skills as they act, direct, design and provide marketing and administrative support for the Studio and its programs.

Balm of Gilead will run at The Ward Studio, 145 West 28th Street, through May 10th. Tickets are $12 online at Brownpapertickets.com/event/58441, or by calling 800.838.3006 - or $15 at the door. Addition information can be found on http://www.wardstudio.com/gilead 

 

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