'Territories' Premieres at Magic Theatre Jan.12-Feb.10

Magic Theatre begins the new year with the world premiere production of Betty Shamieh's Territories directed by Jessica Heidt.  Territories performs January 12 – February 10, 2008 at Magic's Northside Theatre (Bldg D, Fort Mason Center, San Francisco, CA – parking lot entrance at Marina Blvd. and Buchanan St.). Tickets are $20-$45 and available at 415-441-8822 or www.magictheatre.org.

"In this historic thriller set during the Crusades, a French knight captures the sharp-tongued sister of sultan Saladdin.  A ruthless chess game of power and love ensues as two cultures collide.  Palestinian-American writer Betty Shamieh (The Black Eyed, Roar) explores the roots of religious tensions and gender politics in the Middle East," explain press notes, "Territories brings a modern sensibility and sharp characterizations to this story inspired by actual historic events, drawing strong parallels with the current political and gender issues in the Middle East.  Like Shamieh's previous premiere at the Magic, The Black Eyed, and her Off-Broadway hit Roar, Territories marries specificity to Middle East experiences with universality in humanity and scope. Magic Theatre's world premiere production features live percussion music and choreography to create a vibrant, theatrical approach to this historic tale."

The production team for Territories features set designer Melpomene Katakalos, light designer Ray Oppenheimer, costume designer Fumiko Bielfeldt, and sound designer Will McCandless. The cast includes Nora el Samahy (who worked with Shamieh and Heidt in their previous collaboration The Black Eyed), Rod Gnapp, Alfredo Narciso and Brandi Brandes as the live percussionist.

Previews are January 12 at 8PM, January 13 at 2:30PM and January 16 – 18 at 8PM.  Opening Night is January 19 at 8PM with performances through February 10.  Show times are Wednesday – Saturday at 8PM; Sundays at 2:30PM & 7PM.

Magic Theatre is located in Bldg D, Fort Mason Center, San Francisco(at Marina Blvd. and Buchanan St)

Tickets: $20-$45 (senior, student, educator, and group discounts available). Wednesday performances: Sliding scale tickets ($5-$25) available a half hour prior to performance (as available).  Call 415-441-8822 or www.magictheatre.org. Tickets, subscriptions and six-ticket passes for the 2007-08 Season are available now.

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