BPA's Inaugural Irish Play Series Opens With TRAD, Today

BPA opens its inaugural Irish Play Series on January 13 with Mark Doherty's TRAD, a recent production of which the Irish Times described as "Waiting for Godot meets Dancing at Lughnasa."

TRAD is a feast of Irish words. Mark Doherty weaves a surreal tale of the importance of tradition and legacy as an ancient father "Da" and his 100 year old son "Thomas" embark on a road trip to find their long lost heir. With infirmities befitting their advanced years - Thomas has only one good arm and his "Da" has a wooden leg - the twosome set off on a road they've rarely travelled out of their village. This absurd comedy that weaves stories of Ireland's past poverty and hard life is more than merely a unique communication between father and son. Thomas is a stranger in his own strange land. He constantly asks to turn around, go back home, abandon the quest, which his centenarian-plus father will not let him do. They are bound together on this journey, with father teaching son. A feast of brilliant Irish banter and wit, TRAD both skewers and pays homage to Irish stereotypes and tall tales.

Writer Mark Doherty performed as a stand-up around Ireland, England and in Edinburgh, Adelaide and New York between 1995 and 2000. His play, TRAD, won a Fringe First at the 2005 Edinburgh Festival and transferred to the Bush Theatre in April 2006. Mark has just been nominated for Best Script (Film) at the Irish Film and Television Awards (2009) for A Film With Me In It.

Director Wilson Milam began his career in Seattle. He has worked in Dublin, London and New York. He was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Director of a Play for Martin McDonagh's The Lieutenant of Inishmore as well as a Lucille Lortel nomination for his direction of Tracy Lett's Killer Joe.

BPA's Irish Play Series is recommended for ages 13+ and appears at BPA one night only on Saturday, January 13, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets, $20 per person, may be purchased online at www.bainbridgeperformingarts.org, by phone at 206.842.8569 or in person at BPA, 200 Madison Avenue North, Bainbridge Island. BPA Box Office hours are 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, and one hour prior to each performance. TRAD is presented through special permission of United Agents LLP.

BPA is supported, in part, by Bainbridge Community Foundation and One Call for All. Bainbridge Performing Arts is pleased to offer an "Open Doors" program. Free and reduced-cost tickets to most events are available to community members in need through our partner Helpline House thanks to grants from BCF, the Mabee Family Foundation, and the Alder Fund at the Bainbridge Community Foundation. Please contact the BPA Box Office at 206.842.8569 or Helpline House to reserve tickets today.

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