Signature Theatre presents the world premiere production of MacArthur Fellow Sarah Ruhl’s Letters from Max, directed by Kate Whoriskey, based on the book by Sarah Ruhl and Max Ritvo (Milkweed Editions). Ruhl adapts the 2018 epistolary book Letters from Max: A Poet, a Teacher, a Friendship, “a resonant and profound contribution from two fully formed artists to the literature of illness” (Slate), into a lyrical hybrid work that flows between full-hearted letters, poetry, music, and dialogue. With Letters from Max, Ruhl shares a personal correspondence, in the various forms it assumes between two people fervently pursuing, and offering one another the generosity of, higher expression. In these notes, verses, and utterances, her former student, the late poet Max Ritvo (Four Reincarnations), openly discusses terminal illness and tests poetry’s capacity to put to words what otherwise feels ineffable.
(Alternate)Ben Edelman, who made his Broadway debut in Letters From Max, has an impressive background with Off-Broadway credits including Significant Other at Roundabout, and regional performances in Angels in America and Three Sisters.
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Jessica Hecht, who previously starred on Broadway in the Tony-nominated play The Assembled Parties, brings her extensive stage and screen experience to the cast of Letters From Max.
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(Alternate)Zane Pais, a New York-based actor and writer, showcased his talent in Letters From Max, adding to his impressive resume that includes roles in Richard Greenberg's The Perplexed and Tony Award Winner Jack Thorne's Sunday.
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