Speakers Series Announced for THE BEDBUG

The Medicine Show Theatre is proud to announce the lineup of speakers headlining the talkback series accompanying its production of The Bedbug, by Vladimir Mayakovsky. Written in 1929, this rarely produced play's socio-political commentary was ahead of its time. Through larger-than-life characters and circumstances, Mayakovsky warns of how the foibles of totalitarian regime policies can be manifested in the very people they are designed to empower.

The group of experts includes:

Dr. Elizabeth Beaujour, Hunter College - April 18

Dr. Yakov Klots, Hunter College - April 27

Dr. Olga P. Hasty, Princeton University - April 29

Dr. Valentina Izmirlieva, Columbia University - May 4

Dr. Maya Vinokour, New York University - May 5

Dr. Ellen Chances, Princeton University - May 6

These discussions, part of the company's acclaimed Season of Russia, will focus on the big-picture issues of propaganda and genocide, to name a few. While not exclusive to the Soviet Union, propaganda was a hallmark of early 20th century Russia - and today's Russia under Vladimir Putin. The Bedbug is a biting romp through the Soviet bourgeoisie complete with philistines, party fat cats and profiteers. Visiting artist Ashley Wren Collins directs.

This production - the first fully staged one in New York since the 1970s - is performed with an ensemble of 9 actors playing over 90 roles, and honors the zany spirit of the original, while highlighting the paradox of how much and how little has changed in the last 90 years. The show uses Dmitri Shostakovich's original score, once thought lost until unearthed from the Soviet state files in the 1990s, as a stepping stone of inspiration for original live incidental music.

The Bedbug stars Alena Acker, Ashley Asiarae, Michael Bradley, Daniel Robert Burns, Brady Cudmore, Natalia M. Cuevas, Sofie Koloc, Erica Lance, and Perri Yaniv.

Performances are Wednesday through Saturday at 7:30pm and Sunday at 3:00pm through May 6th at the Medicine Show Theatre at 549 West 52nd St., 3rd floor, NYC, NY 10019. The show runs 90 minutes without intermission. Visit bedbug.brownpapertickets.com for tickets.

For more information and reservations, call 212 262 4216.

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