Public Presents THE FUNNY PAIN as Part of Emerging Writers Group Spotlight Series, 4/5

The Public Theater will continue its series of free staged readings of new plays by the Emerging Writers Group will its production of THE FUNNY PAIN on April 5th. The Emerging Writers Group Spotlight Series presents weekly readings of a full-length play by each writer, directed and performed by experienced artists from the theatrical community. Tickets are free but must be reserved in advance by calling 212-967-7555.

In THE FUNNY PAIN, unable to feel pain due to a congenital disease, Mary Rochelle Douleur doesn't earn the nickname "Roach" for nothing - despite bumps and bruises and breaks, she's practically indestructible. She's Southern to be sure, but a belle... maybe not. When she and her sister become rival stand-up comediennes, they learn just how fine the line is between laughing and crying. THE FUNNY PAIN will begin at 7:00pm.

The Emerging Writers Group is a program that targets playwrights at the earliest stages of their careers and nurtures their artistic growth by providing necessary resources and support. The Spotlight Series combines first-rate theatrical talent with new works written and developed by members of the Emerging Writers Group during their time at The Public. In addition, the Spotlight Series allows the writers to hear their work in front of an audience. Time Warner is the Founding Sponsor of The Public Writers Initiative.

The rest of the April schedule is as follows:

Monday, April 12
7 p.m.
THE HOUR OF FEELING
Written by Mona Mansour
Directed by MarK Wing-Davey
In 1967, fueled by a love of English Romantic poetry and Wordsworth in particular, a young Palestinian academic, Adham, and his new wife, Abir, take a trip to London, where he will deliver a career-defining lecture. While The Situation in his home "country" deteriorates and his marriage threatens to dissolve, Adham confronts his fear of failure and the reality that he may be an outsider no matter where he goes.

Monday, April 19
7 p.m.
DRAW THE CIRCLE
Written by Deen
Directed by Chay Yew
As Deen struggles to come to terms with being a transgender man, those who love him most find themselves struggling as well in this unique solo show, told entirely from the from the point of view of Deen's family, friends and partner, yet performed by Deen himself. Laid bare is one family's struggle with a child who continuously defies their most basic expectations of what it means to have a daughter... and one woman's commitment to unconditional love.

Wednesday, April 21
7 p.m.
ASHES
Written by Vickie Ramirez
Directed by Betsy Theobald Richards
When the boys were born, the Clan Mothers decided that Gary and Brewster both had the qualities to be great Chiefs of the Haudenosaunee people. Thirty years later, Brewster is a disappointment and Gary is in crisis. When their predicament catches the attention of Sky Woman and the Thunderers, the mischievous spirits decide to entertain themselves by betting on the results. As the Great Beings start interfering on behalf of their favorites, it's anyone's guess which candidate will prove himself a great leader.

Monday, April 26
7 p.m.
APPROPRIATE
Written by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins
Raymond Lafayette has died and his progeny have returned to the family homestead - a former plantation in southern Arkansas - to settle his financially-fraught estate. But a gruesome discovery among Grandpa's belonging forces an already-estranged family to the brink of becoming a family of strangers when no one can agree on how it got there - or how to get rid of it.

The Emerging Writers Group strengthens The Public's commitment to creating an artistic home for diverse and exceptionally talented up-and-coming playwrights. Developed in collaboration with Time Warner's Office of Corporate Responsibility, the Emerging Writers Group is one element of The Public Writers Initiative, a long-term program that provides key support and resources for writers at every stage of their careers. Time Warner is the Founding Sponsor of The Public Writers Initiative.

Each emerging writer receives a one-year fellowship at The Public which includes a $3,000 stipend; participation in a biweekly writers' group led by Associate Artistic Director Mandy Hackett and The Public's Literary Department; master classes with established playwrights; career development advice and artistic support from acclaimed writers and Public artistic staff; complimentary tickets to Public shows and supplemental stipends for productions at other theaters; and presentation of their work in at least one reading at The Public.

The Public Theater is located at 425 Lafayette Street. Tickets are free and can be reserved by calling 212-967-7555.

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