InterAct Theatre Company Presents HEARTLAND

InterAct Theatre Company proudly moves forward in its 31st season with a dynamic commission and National New Play Network (NNPN) Rolling World Premiere. Continuing its tradition of producing new works that speak to the social and contemporary issues of our time, InterAct will present HEARTLAND at the Proscenium Theatre at the Drake, in Center City, from March 29 through April 21, 2019.

Dr. Harold Banks, an aging professor of Afghan studies in Nebraska, is reeling after his adopted daughter Getee is killed by the Taliban while delivering foreign aid. When Afghan refugee Nazrullah arrives at his door with an incredible story and carrying Getee's prized books, the two men form an unlikely bond. Each is searching for his own brand of forgiveness, but as their friendship develops, Naz accidentally exposes an unexpected source of Dr. Banks' guilt. How might a CIA propaganda operation over 30 years ago have contributed to Getee's death? Inspired by true events, HEARTLAND is a story of healing, connection, and the devastating unintentional consequences of our actions.

"With political themed dramas centering around the emotional lives of core characters, InterAct is presenting another season of exciting and thought-provoking works," says Producing Artistic Director Seth Rozin. "In our 31st season, InterAct continues to look at questions of contemporary life and investigate the realities of topics like gentrification, issues of race and responsibility, and the complications inherent in coming to terms with the pressures of the past."

A "Pay What You Can" Final Dress Rehearsal, benefiting the Afghan Friends Network, will be held on Thursday, March 28, at 8 pm. Founded in 2002, Afghan Friends Network (AFN) is working hard to improve the lives of women and children in Afghanistan and empower educators in a country that has been ravaged for nearly 30 years by war and political strife. An all-volunteer, grass-roots organization, AFN efficiently provides support directly to the people who need it most, setting a high standard for fiscal responsibility and program excellence. http://www.afghanfriends.net/

Following each 2 pm Sunday matinee, join Producing Artistic Director Seth Rozin and an expert speaker in a moderated discussion, examining the real-world issues portrayed through HEARTLAND. Our Speaker Sunday guests are:

Sunday, April 7: Shreeyash Palshikar, Former US Government South Asia Analyst

Sunday, April 14: Dr. Salman Akhtar, Psychiatrist - Jefferson University

Sunday, April 21: Akbar Ahmadzai, Director of Language Access and Proficiency - Nationalities Service Center

Previews for HEARTLAND begin March 29, 2019, and Opening Night is April 3. An Opening Night reception will be held, following the first performance of HEARTLAND, with catering provided by InterAct's Sansom Kebab House. Authentic Afghan cuisine will be served, in keeping with the themes of HEARTLAND, and InterAct's commitment to partner with its neighboring cultural venues in Center City, Philadelphia. https://www.sansomkabobhouseonsouth.com/

HEARTLAND runs through April 21. For more information, please visit InterAct's website at www.interacttheatre.org, email boxoffice@interacttheatre.org or call 215.568.8079.

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