EgoPo Classic Theater Brings a South African Twist to THREE SISTERS, TWO

In this dark comedy, Reza de Wet weaves together a collection of Chekhov's iconic characters into a single musing on the end of a world. On February 1, EgoPo Classic Theater presents this great South African playwright's take on Anton Chekhov's classic, twenty years later, during the fall the privileged society. Three Sisters Two previews January 30-31 and opens Friday, February 1. The show runs three weeks, closing Feb. 17. Tickets range $25-$35. Performances are at the Latvian Society Theater at 7th & Spring Garden.

Theater of South Africa

EgoPo's boldly themed seasons continue with this year's Theater of South Africa, celebrating great dramatic works from the country's rich theatrical tradition. By telling these stories, EgoPo honors the profound moment in world history when apartheid came to an end, and hopes to provide new perspectives on racism and social justice in our own country, while highlighting a diverse community of Philadelphia artists. Theater of South Africa began with EgoPo hosting a South African version of the American classic, Desire Under the Elms, followed by the powerful A Human Being Died That Night, which looked at the process of forgiveness and reconciliation. We continue with Three Sisters Two, which looks at how the world feels as the status quo is challenged, and conclude with CENSORED: A rotating repertory of two banned South African plays featuring "Master Harold"...and the Boys by Athol Fugard and Egoli by Matsemela Manaka (co-produced with Theatre in the X), shining a light on two vastly different experiences under apartheid. Subscriptions to see all three spring plays are just $60. For more information, go to EgoPo.org, or call 267-273-1414.

Reza de Wet is one of South Africa's most celebrated playwrights with over 40 theater and literary awards. She is the country's top female playwright and considered, alongside Fugard, to be a leading voice of South African theater's apartheid resistance. She is also unique for writing throughout her life in her native Afrikaans, despite English being the more popular language of publication. In her later plays, de Wet began to channel Chekhov, re-writing his plays for a contemporary audience and bringing him to new life. In her darkly comic Three Sisters Two, de Wet weaves together a collection of Chekhov's iconic characters into a single musing on the end of a world. As war closes in around them, and the threat of restitution hangs in the air, a once-privileged family clings determinedly to their fading life.

EgoPo regular Brenna Geffers (Anna, Machinal, The Hairy Ape) will direct the American Premiere of this piece that The Telegraph of London called "a play that combines wit with deep feeling" and continued, "Any fan of Chekhov will want to see this imaginative and often extremely touching sequel." Winner of Best Production of the Year at the 1999 South African Theater Awards, the play has also been produced in England, The Netherlands, and Czechia.

EgoPo is excited to present an all-star cast of EgoPo favorites including Ross Beschler (Delirium, Machinal, Hell), Andrew J. Carroll (Lydie Breeze Trilogy, Anna, The Seagull), Colleen Corcoran (Anna, Machinal, The Hairy Ape), Maria Konstantinidis (Company, Anna, The Hairy Ape), Lee Minora (Machinal, The Women, The Hairy Ape), Kishia Nixon (The Children's Hour), Amanda Schoonover (Anna, The Hairy Ape, Jesse James), and Jahzeer Terrell (Lydie Breeze Trilogy).

The artistic team for EgoPo's Three Sisters Two includes Set and Lighting Design by Thom Weaver (The Seagull, Machinal), Costume Design by Natalia de la Torre (Anna, Delirium, Jesse James), Sound Design by Chris Sannino (EgoPo debut), Prop Design by Em Arrick (EgoPo debut), and Stage Management by Jamel Baker (Lydie Breeze Trilogy, Anna, Delirium).

Three Sisters Two will be staged at the Latvian Society Theater. Previews begin January 30, with Press Opening on Friday, February 1; the show will run three weeks, closing on February 17.

Tickets:

Wed-Thurs: $25, Fri-Sun: $32, Opening Night: $35

www.egopo.org OR by phone at 267-273-1414

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