Fugard's MY CHILDREN! MY AFRICA! to run Jan 15 - Feb 8

Marin Theatre Company continues its 2008-09 season with My Children! My Africa! by renowned South African playwright Athol Fugard in its Boyer Theatre. Directed by Josh Costello, MTC's Artistic Director of Expanded Programs, this masterwork of contemporary theater stars L. Peter Callender, one of the Bay Area's best-known actors, in his MTC debut as Mr. M; former Oregon Shakespeare Festival company member Laura Morache as Isabel; and A.C.T. third-year MFA student Lloyd Roberson II as Thami.

Set in 1985 South Africa, during a period of intense and often violent anti-Apartheid protests and boycotts, My Children! My Africa! follows the friendship of two teenagers. Thami, a gifted and independent black student, and Isabel, a white prep school student, participate in a rare interracial debate at Thami's school. Against the backdrop of an education system in crisis, Fugard's hopeful, seasoned teacher Mr. M struggles to lift his students above the strife and violence that is boiling in their black township. My Children! My Africa! premiered at the Market Theatre in Johannesburg, South Africa in 1989 and has been performed since then worldwide.

Director Josh Costello believes this play will resonate strongly with contemporary audiences. "Athol Fugard's ability to find the personal story in a dangerous political situation gives this play a special kind of power. We're excited to have such a talented cast bring these courageous characters and their struggles to life."

Athol Fugard is considered one of the world's greatest playwrights. Best known for political plays opposing the South African system of apartheid, he has influenced international public opinion on the politics of South Africa and worldwide oppression. He has been working in the theater as a playwright, director, and actor since the mid-1950s.

Director Josh Costello directed the 2007 MTC production of Lovers & Executioners and recently directed MTC's school touring production of A Short History of Nearly Everything. Josh has directed dozens of plays up and down the West Coast, and was founding Artistic Director of Impact Theatre.

In addition to its regular schedule of performances of My Children! My Africa!, MTC is pleased to offer special student matinees of this coming-of-age drama set in a time of great political upheaval. Over 1,000 students from communities around Marin and the greater Bay Area will attend weekday special performances-several of these performances are already sold out. With support from the Shenson Foundation, MTC will send teachers into classrooms to discuss My Children! My Africa! before students attend the matinees.

For more information visit www.marintheatre.org or call 415.388.5208. Marin Theatre Company is located at 397 Miller Ave, Mill Valley 94941.

Previews-Thursday, Jan 15 through Sunday, Jan 18, 2009

Opening Night Gala-Tuesday, Jan 20, 2009 at 8:00 pm

Performance Schedule Jan 15 through Feb 8, 2009
Tues, Thu, Fri & Sat 8:00 pm
Wed 7:30 pm
Sun 7:00 pm
Matinees: Thu 1:00 pm | Sat & Sun 2:00 pm
Please check www.marintheatre.org
or call box office at 415.388.5208 for exact performance dates and times.

Ticket Prices
Previews: Thu through Sun: $31
Regular Performances:
Tues: $31 in advance, or Pay-What-You-Can (excludes Opening)
Wed, Thu, & Sun Evenings: $34 & $41
Fri: $39 & $46
Sat Evenings: $44 & $51
Wed, Thu, Sat & Sun Matinees: $34 & $41
Opening Night (Tues) with Cast Reception: $44 & $51

Discounts available:
Student tickets: $20, all performances
Senior discounts, varies by performance
RUSH tickets $10, available one-half hour prior to show, based on availability
Pay-What-You-Can Tuesdays (excludes Opening)

MTC ENGAGED!
Programs for My Children! My Africa! include:

Post-Show Q&As-After most performances (except Saturday evenings and Opening Night), MTC will continue its new tradition of hosting a Q&A with a member of MTC's Artistic staff and members of the cast.

After Words-Sunday, Jan 18
After our Sunday Preview matinee in the Boyer Theatre, Margot Melcon, MTC's Literary Manager/Dramaturg, will interview a guest (to be announced) onstage.

 

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