You would be wise to see NATHAN THE WISE, Edward Kemp's new version of Gottholt Lessing's classic drama, presented October 28 to November 19 by Deep Dish Theater Company. Directed by Tony Lea, this play continues the company's eleventh season at University Mall.
A 200-year-old lesson in religious tolerance, NATHAN THE WISE is an intricate 18th century story set in Jerusalem during the Crusades. As religious conflict wages, the lives of a Jewish merchant, a young Templar and a Sultan become entwined in tale of familial coincidence. While religion may divide them, they discover a common goal of peace and reconciliation."The play is a parable, but one told in very human terms," said Lea. "Nathan is able to forge friendships with people who some would consider enemies. To me, this is enough to make any story relevant, but Nathan the Wise also tells this story with love, humor and compassion, making it entertaining as well as relevant."
This Deep Dish production boasts a talented cast, including: Lucas Campbell, Joseph Henderson, Sherida McMullan, Michael Murray, Paul Paliyenko, Jason Peck, Page Purgar, Rajeev Rajendran, and Alice Turner. The design staff includes Miyuki Su (set), Doug Wood (lights), Jordan Jaked (costumes), Devra Thomas (properties), and Marc Maximov (sound). John Harris is the dramaturg, and Ramona Traynor is the stage manager.The theater will give a pre-show "Meet the Play" talk on Friday, November 5, at 7 p.m. Post-performance discussions will be offered on Thursdays and Sundays. The Deep Dish Book Selection, Bruce Feiler's Where God Was Born, will be discussed on Monday, November 14 at 7 p.m. at Flyleaf Books.Performances begin Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., and Sunday (matinee) at 2 p.m. There will be no show May 14. Deep Dish is located in Chapel Hill's University Mall, on Estes Drive and US 15-501.
Tickets are $21 for adults and $19 for seniors regularly, with a $2 discount for Wednesday and Thursday shows. Student tickets for all performances are $14. Wednesday, November 2 is "Cheap Dish Night" - all tickets are $10 (no reservations accepted). Call (919) 968-1515 for reservations and visit www.deepdishtheater.org for information. The Deep Dish Theater Company is committed to presenting compelling, human-centered dramatic work that contributes to the cultural richness of the Triangle area and challenges audiences to explore concerns of the community and the world-at-large.
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