Photo Flash: Repertory Theatre of St. Louis Presents THE INVISIBLE HAND

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis (The Rep) concludes its 2011–2012 Studio Theatre series with The Invisible Hand by Ayad Akhtar. This timely and intriguing production will be performed in the Emerson Studio Theatre at the Loretto-Hilton Center for the Performing Arts, 130 Edgar Road (on the campus of Webster University), Webster Groves, through March 25, 2012.

Tickets are now available for purchase. Ticket prices are $37.50 (previews), $45 (weeknights, Saturdays at 9 p.m. and Sundays) and $58 (Fridays at 8 p.m. and Saturdays at 5 p.m.). To purchase, visit The Rep Box Office, located inside the Loretto-Hilton Center, charge by phone by calling (314) 968-4925, or visit The Rep's Online Box Office at http://www.repstl.org.

In remote Pakistan, Nick Bright awaits his fate. A highly successful player at a major investment bank, Nick is kidnapped by an Islamic militant group, but with no one negotiating for his release, the prisoner must take matters into his own hands. Full of questionable alliances and moral bargaining, this world premiere is a chilling examination of how far we will go to survive and the consequences of the choices we make.

The Rep's production of The Invisible Hand is the world premiere and marks the beginning of Ignite! The Rep's New Play Festival. This inaugural festival will include commissions of nationally recognized playwrights, culminating with three public readings of Stagger Lee, Gidion's Knot and Bicycle Girl. For more information on Ignite! or to purchase tickets to the readings, visit The Rep's website at http://www.repstl.org/ignite.

The cast of The Invisible Hand is Ahmed Hassan as Dar, John Hickok as Nick, Bhavesh Patel as Bashir (The History Boys) and Michael James Reed as James and the guard (A Steady Rain) in this fascinating new play.

The Rep's production of The Invisible Hand is directed by Rep Associate Artistic Director Seth Gordon.

The creative staff also includes Scott Neale, set designer; Lou Bird, costume designer; Ann Wrightson, lighting designer; Rusty Wandall, sound designer; and Champe Leary, stage manager.

For more information about The Rep's production of The Invisible Hand, including a guide introducing the characters, plot and background on the play; photos related to the production; and more, visit The Rep's comprehensive public website at http://www.repstl.org.

Photo by Jerry Naunheim Jr.