LE CYGNE Comes to Manhattan Rep

Le Cygne is a dark, mythical tale of Federico Rey, a criminal drug lord in a fictional town called Santo Libertad, and his loving daughter, Swanhild who learns about the true nature of her father's criminal empire and then, ultimately, saves his soul.

The cast of Le Cygne features: Mark Brystowski, Marjorie Conn, Rachel Goldman, Ashley Taylor Greaves, Kevin Hobaichan, Gustavo Pace, Ken Straus, Lisa Walker, and Ken Wolf. Le Cygne is directed by Manhattan Rep's Artistic Director, Ken Wolf.

This play is inspired by an iconic ballet solo "Le Cygne" once created by two great Russian artists: ballet dancer Anna Pavlova and choreographer Michael Fokine whose influence on both American and Russian culture was profound.

Le Cygne was developed for over 8 months via Skype by Russian Playwright Ivan Filippov and Manhattan Rep's Artistic Director, Ken Wolf. It is a true international creative collaboration between Russia and the United States during a time when "link bait" stories of "evil" Russians and Russian hacking have clogged the internet and most media outlets.This production is proof that art holds no boundaries, has no prejudice, and is intrinsic to all people, all races and all nationalities. As artists, and as inhabitants of this planet, we are all one.

Born in Moscow, Russia in 1979, Ivan Filippov graduated with honors from Saint- Petersburg University of Economics and Finance. A Global Executive MBA alumnus of INSEAD (school ranked top5 worldwide). Being exposed to a truly international environment while both working on infrastructural/financial projects and studying, Ivan has obtained deep knowledge of different cultures and national traditions, which together with his developed communication skills, including those gained at INSEAD, facilitate him to create literature aimed at a wide spectrum of readers/viewers. Ivan writes in two languages: English and Russian. Ivan has several writings in Russian, including a published book called "The Tales of A Palmyra Elder", and novels: "The Midnight Dream of Ashurnasirpal" and "The Benefits of Repentance" He creates plays in English, including: "Le Cygne" and the upcoming "My Poor Poor Antinous" (about the romantic story of Roman emperor Hadrian and a Greek youth Antinous.)

Ken Wolf is the co-founder and Artistic Director of Manhattan Rep and the author of over 20 plays. He has also directed over 50 productions including The Tempest, A Midsummer Night's Dream, The Three Sisters, Tales of Terror, Men, The Match Game and more. As Artistic Director at Manhattan Repertory Theatre, he has produced over 1000 full length plays and over 2000 short pieces. His One Man play, The People in my Hips was hailed by Martin Denton of nytheatre.com as being "unlike any theatre piece I have ever seen." And Lise Avery of Anything Goes!! Internationally Syndicated Radio said "THE PEOPLE IN MY HIPS is one of the most extraordinary pieces of theatre I have seen on or Off-Broadway in years". Recently, Ken received rave reviews performing with his amazing 7lb "Morkie" Roma Pierro-Wolf, in his play DAD AND THE DOG, New York City's first One Man One Dog show.

Manhattan Repertory Theatre was founded by Jennifer Pierro and Ken Wolf in 2005. Manhattan Rep offers play development programs, playwriting mentoring and seasonal productions in their new theatre at 17-19 West 45th St.

For Ticket Reservations for Le Cygne: www.manhattanrep.com. All tickets are $20.

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