12 Peers Theater Presents The World Premiere of Philip Real's CACTUS, Now thru 7/13

Written by local playwright Philip Real, Cactus is a World Premiere play, produced as the final show of their third season, by 12 Peers Theater. A loose adaptation of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, Cactus moves the events to the Arizona border. Two conflicting vampire families patrol the area; one working with the United States Government to kill illegal border crossers, the other protecting them. When Ron and Julie, two seemingly teenaged vampires from the opposing families, fall in love, will it bring their families closer together, or drive them farther apart? Cactus is a play about doing whatever it takes to protect the people you care about, and the dangers that can complicate even the best intentions.

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Founding Artistic Director Vince Ventura and Producing Artistic Director Sara Fisher have been working with Philip Real on this project for over two years. Ventura and Fisher saw Real do a reading of the first scene of an early draft in January of 2012, and knew immediately that they wanted to help Philip develop the play. Ventura says:

"We fell in love with the potential, themes, and heart of this play. We jumped at the chance to help Philip develop this play, and over the past two years, Cactus has seen numerous drafts and readings. All the while, Philip has been making this play better, draft after draft."

About the Playwright: Philip Real's plays have been produced in San Francisco by Theatre Rhinoceros (The Corner of the Eye), American Conservatory Theater (Stronger and Stronger, conservatory production), and The Marsh (Labels), as well as in Los Angeles at Celebration Theater (Dessert), and San Diego by Diversionary Theater (Lunch), and in Pittsburgh by Future Tenant (The Unknown Artist, directed by Kelly Van Aken). His work has been published in West Coast Plays, James White Review, and Callboard. He also writes about wine for Table Magazine. He has a B.A. in Speech and Drama from Catholic University and has studied playwriting with David Mamet in Chicago and Oscar Eustis in San Francisco. He is a member of the Dramatists Guild.

About the Company: 12 Peers Theater was founded in 2011. Taking the name from the Twelve Peers of Charlemagne, its mission is to provide challenging and engaging theater for Pittsburgh audiences. 12 Peers Theater highlights social, political, and ethical issues in classical and contemporary works exploring myth and cultural identity, endeavoring to open a dialogue with the audience.

Cactus performs today, June 27 - July 13, Friday-Saturday, 8 p.m., Sunday 7p.m., Monday July 7, 7p.m.,

Tickets $15in advance, $17 at the door / $12 with student or senior ID.

All shows at The Grey Box Theatre, Lawrenceville, 3595 Butler Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15201

Tickets & Info: www.12peerstheater.org

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