Photo Flash: First Look - 'EMILIE' Blazes a Trail for Women in Science at Avant Bard

Avant Bard begins Season 28 with Lauren Gunderson's Emilie: La Marquise Du Chatelet Defends Her Life Tonight - a witty reincarnation of a passionate and defiant woman who in 18th-century France dazzled Voltaire and blazed a trail for women in science. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

In this seductively theatrical rediscovery of one of history's most intriguing women, the scientific genius Emilie du Chatelet returns from the afterlife determined to answer the question she died with: love or philosophy, head or heart? She defends her life and loves, and in the process creates a legacy that alters the course of physics.of this insightful woman-centered work by one of theatre's hottest writers."

Starring as Emilie is Sara Barker, recently seen at Avant Bard in King Lear, Othello, and Orlando and a company member with Avant Bard, Factory 449, Rorschach Theatre, and The Klunch. The other cast members, all newcomers to Avant Bard's stage, are Brit Herring as Emilie's lover Voltaire, Lisa Hodsoll as Madam, Billie Krishawn as Soubrette, and Steve Lebens as Gentleman.

Emilie is directed by Helen Hayes Award winner Rick Hammerly, the Producing Artistic Director of Factory 449. The creative team includes Set and Properties Designer Greg Stevens, Lighting Designer Joseph R. Walls, Costume Designer Danielle Preston, Sound Designer Frank DiSalvo Jr., and Movement Coach Elena Day.

Tickets are available online at AvantBard.org/tickets or by calling 703-418-4808.

Photo Credit: DJ Corey Photography

Sara Barker (Emilie) surrounded by (from left:) Steve Lebens (Gentleman), Billie Krishawn (Soubrette), Lisa Hodsoll (Madam)

Sara Barker (Emilie), Brit Herring (Voltaire)

Sara Barker (Emilie)

Brit Herring (Voltaire), Sara Barker (Emilie)

Brit Herring (Voltaire), Sara Barker (Emilie)

Brit Herring (Voltaire), Billie Krishawn (Soubrette)

Billie Krishawn (Soubrette), Steve Lebens (Gentleman), Lisa Hodsoll (Madam), Brit Herring (Voltaire)

Brit Herring (Voltaire), Sara Barker (Emilie)

Lisa Hodsoll (Madam), Billie Krishawn (Soubrette), Sara Barker (Emilie), Steve Lebens (Gentleman)

Brit Herring (Voltaire), Sara Barker (Emilie), Billie Krishawn (Soubrette)

Billie Krishawn (Soubrette), Sara Barker (Emilie), Brit Herring (Voltaire)

Billie Krishawn (Soubrette)

Lisa Hodsoll (Madam)

Steve Lebens (Gentleman)

Sara Barker (Emilie)