A.C.T. To Present Suzan-Lori Parks's FATHER COMES HOME FROM THE WARS (Parts 1, 2 & 3)

American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.) will present Father Comes Home from the Wars (Parts 1, 2 & 3) (April 25-May 20, 2018), Pulitzer Prize winner and MacArthur "Genius" Grant recipient Suzan-Lori Parks's (Topdog/Underdog, The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess) explosively powerful and lyrical new play inspired by the Odyssey and set amid the American Civil War. Hero's master offers him a terrible choice: earn freedom by fighting for the Confederacy, or stay with the woman he loves and remain enslaved. Acclaimed as "funny and tragic, whimsical and lacerating, poetic and poignant" (The Hollywood Reporter), this haunting play fuses classical Greek drama, contemporary wordplay, and the soaring spirit of blues, belonging, heroism, and freedom. A mythic and music-infused journey of one man's soul-and of a nation at war with itself-this "provocative, rich, and irreverently funny" (New York Post) new play reaffirms Parks as one of America's most important voices. Father Comes Homes from the Wars (Parts 1, 2 & 3) is a coproduction with Yale Repertory Theatre.

Press night for Father Comes Home from the Wars (Parts 1, 2 & 3) will be held on Tuesday, May 1, 2018. Single tickets (ranging from $15-$110) are available at the A.C.T. Box Office at 415.749.2228 or online at www.act-sf.org. Ticket prices are subject to change without notice.

Under the direction of Liz Diamond, Father Comes Home from the Wars (Parts 1, 2 & 3) features (in alphabetical order): Rotimi Agbabiaka, Eboni Flowers, Safiya Fredericks, Dan Hiatt, Steven Anthony Jones, Julian Elijah Martinez, Martin Luther McCoy, Chivas Michael, Tom Pecinka, James Udom, and Gregory Wallace.

The creative team for Father Comes Home from the Wars (Parts 1, 2 & 3) includes Yi Zhao (Lighting Designer), Sarah Nietfeld (Costume Designer), Riccardo Hernandez (Scenic Designer), Fred Kennedy (Sound Designer), Randy Duncan (Choreographer), and Rick Sordelet (Fight Director).

Says A.C.T. Artistic Director Carey Perloff: "Suzan-Lori Parks's brilliant story of a Black slave yearning for freedom told through the structure of a Greek tragedy is absolutely unique and completely captivating. Through the creation of indelible characters who confound and surprise us consistently throughout the play, she has managed to tackle the enormous issues of justice and freedom without ever becoming didactic. We're delighted to be collaborating with Yale Repertory Theatre to bring this ambitious epic to The Geary Theater, and equally delighted to welcome back former core company members Gregory Wallace and Steven Anthony Jones, as well as a marvelous company under the direction of Liz Diamond. With spirited original music and a vivid design, Father Comes Home from the Wars (Parts 1, 2 & 3) promises to be a major theatrical event!"

In connection with Father Comes Home from the Wars (Parts 1, 2 & 3), A.C.T. will offer numerous InterACT events-many of which are presented free of charge-that will give patrons opportunities to get closer to the action while having an entire night out at the theater. Visit act-sf.org/interact to learn more about subscribing to these events throughout the season: • Bike to the Theater Night:
Wednesday, April 25, 7 p.m.
Providing a greener alternative to theater transportation, A.C.T. and the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition offer free valet bike parking, as well as a special discount on tickets, for these select performances.

• Tech Night:
Thursday, April 26, 6 p.m.
Join us at a neighborhood bar for a happy hour with hors d'oeuvres, drinks, and mingling with industry contacts and theatergoers before walking over to A.C.T.'s Geary Theater for the 8 p.m. performance.

• Prologue:
Tuesday, May 1, 5:30 p.m.
Before the curtain goes up, get a sneak peek at the artistic process at this fascinating preshow discussion with the director and artistic staff.

• Theater on the Couch:
Friday, May 4, following the 8 p.m. performance
Sponsored by Kaiser Permanente, this exciting postshow discussion series addresses audience questions and explores the minds, motives, and behavior of the characters.

• Audience Exchanges:
Tuesday, May 8, 7 p.m. | Sunday, May 13, 2 p.m. | Wednesday, May 16, 2 p.m.
After the show, stick around for a lively Q&A session with the actors and artists who create the work onstage.

• OUT with A.C.T.:
Wednesday, May 9, following the 8 p.m. performance
The best LGBT night in town! Mingle with the cast and enjoy free drinks and treats at this popular after-party.

• Wente Vineyards Wine Series:
Tuesday, May 15, 7 p.m.
Before the show, raise a glass at this wine-tasting event featuring the Bay Area's hottest local winery.

• PlayTime:
Saturday, May 19, 12:45 p.m.
Before this matinee performance, get hands-on with the artists who make it happen at this interactive theater workshop. A.C.T.'s production of Father Comes Home from the Wars (Parts 1, 2 & 3) is made possible by company sponsors Fred M. Levin and Nancy Livingston, The Shenson Foundation and Jack and Susy Wadsworth; executive producers John Little and Heather Stallings Little; producers Lloyd and Janet Cluff; Kirke and Nancy Sawyer Hasson; Dianne and Ron Hoge; Robina Riccitiello; David and Carla Riemer; and Cherie Sorokin; and associate producers Dr. Allan P. Gold and Mr. Alan C. Ferrara and Emmett and Marion Stanton.

A.C.T. would also like to acknowledge its 2017-18 season presenters Priscilla and Keith Geeslin; Fred M. Levin and Nancy Livingston, The Shenson Foundation; Arthur Rock and Toni Rembe; Mary and Steven L. Swig; and Jeffrey W. and Laurie Ubben; season partner PG&E, lead education partner Wells Fargo, Official Airline United Airlines; and Official Hotel Sponsor Hotel G.

A.C.T. closes out the 2017-18 season with the world-premiere musical A Walk on the Moon (June 6-July 1, 2018), based on the 1999 movie of the same name. Following critical and audience acclaim last season, American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.) will present a limited two-week engagement (July 17-29, 2018) of A Thousand Splendid Suns-the theatrical adaptation of Khaled Hosseini's international best-selling novel of the same name-as part of a West Coast tour that includes runs at San Diego's Old Globe Theatre and Seattle Repertory Theatre.

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