BPA's Irish Play Series Returns January 12 With THE SEAFARER

Irish author Conor McPherson's play The Seafarer is a black comedy set over the course of a long evening of family, friends, and drink one Christmas Eve in Dublin. The play centers on James "Sharky" Harkin, who has recently returned to Dublin and moved in with his older, quarrelsome sibling Richard. As guests drop by, drinks start to flow, stories are retold, and secrets begin to emerge as Sharky has to deal with one friend who seems to be staying on permanently, rather than return home to his own family, and another who is now the partner of his ex-wife, and with whom, annoyingly, he seems very happy. Things come to a head when a mysterious stranger, Mr. Lockhart, drops by and brings up an encounter he had with Sharky twenty-five years ago, and announces he has come for "repayment" in a winner take all game of poker.

Conor McPherson is an Irish Playwright and Director. Conor won the George Devine Award in 1997 with his play St Nicholas, and went on to win an Olivier Award for Best New Play in 1999 with The Weir. In 2006 he received a Tony Award nomination for Shining City and an Olivier Award nomination for Best New Play for The Seafarer. Subsequent plays include The Night Alive, as well as adaptations of The Birds and Dance of Death. As a screenwriter, Conor has written I Went Down, and wrote and directed the films Saltwater, The Actors, and The Eclipse. Most recently he wrote and directed the play Girl From the North Country (now on Broadway) and the television drama Paula for BBC.

Wilson Milam began his career in Seattle where he has directed Feston (NCTC, Gregory Award Best Production) as well as Outside Mullingar, American Buffalo, God of Carnage, Glengarry Glen Ross, and The Seafarer, all at the Seattle Rep. On Bainbridge he has directed Trad (for Irish Play Series #1, BPA) and The North Plan (inD Theatre, Rolling Bay Hall). Other work includes the original productions of The Lieutenant of Inishmore (London, New York, LA) and Killer Joe (Chicago, Edinburgh, London, New York).

The Seafarer is recommended for ages 13+ and appears at BPA one night only on Saturday, January 12, 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. The Seafarer is presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc.

BPA is supported, in part, by Bainbridge Community Foundation, the City of Bainbridge Island, 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 a grant from the Mabee Family Foundation. Please contact the BPA Box Office at 206.842.8569 or Helpline House to reserve tickets today.

Find out more about BPA at www.bainbridgeperformingarts.org

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