THE DAY THE SKY TURNED BLACK Plays Fringe NYC, Closes 8/28

Fresh from acclaimed seasons at the Edinburgh & Adelaide Fringe Festivals, The Day the Sky Turned Black makes its US debut at the New York International Fringe Festival from August 14-28 at Venue #10: IATI Theatre, 64 East 4th Street, NYC (bet. Bowery and 2nd Avenue). Written and performed by Ali Kennedy Scott, the play chronicles the poignant stories of everyday heroes who fought the ‘Black Saturday' bushfires, now known as Australia's greatest natural disaster.

On February 7th, 2009, Australia was ravaged by firestorms equaling the energy of 1500 atomic bombs...

As fires sweep through the tinder dry country at speed, residents prepare for the usual summer bushfire season, unaware of the magnitude of the coming fires. By day's end, 173 people are dead, whole towns are decimated. By week's end, over a million acres of land are razed to the ground and arson is suspected. Through first person narrative, intermixed with on-the spot news reports, The Day the Sky Turned Black follows the lives of five characters; Kerry, Mabel, Heidi, Gillian and six year-old Aiden who loves nothing better than doing tricks on his BMX and smushing Caramello Koalas into yummy chocolate balls.

Based on interviews with survivors, journalists and a global arson expert, the play charts each character's personal journey from before the fire's arrival, to their return home and the rebuilding of their lives. Their inspirational stories show the strength and courage of the human spirit when pitted against Mother Nature at her worst.

This solo show was conceived while Ali was studying at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, UK. There, reactions to the fires ranged from concern to criticism, and even apathy. These responses motivated Ali to set the record straight and tell the true story of these extraordinary ‘ordinary' Australians.

Directed by Adrian Barnes, with original music by Pat Wilson - an "expert team" (Adelaide Advertiser)- The Day the Sky Turned Black is a powerful tribute to courage, humor amidst adversity and hope.

Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online at www.fringenyc.org, by phone at 866.468.7619 up to 24 hours before the show, in person at FringeCENTRAL (1 East 8th Street at Fifth Avenue) from 12n-8pm beginning July 30th. Tickets are $18 at the door and can be purchased 15 minutes before each performance (cash only) at IATI Theatre.

Venue #10: IATI is located at 64 East 4th Street (bet. Bowery and 2nd Avenue), NYC 10002. Take the "F" train to 2nd Avenue, the "R" to 8th Street, or the "6" to Astor Place.

The run time is 55 minutes with no intermission.

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