Sarah Treem's THE HOW AND THE WHY to Open Next Month at Theater J

In a fitting follow-up to its production of Copenhagen, Theater J dives into a distinctly contemporary, female take on science and the mysteries of sex and human relationships with Sarah Treem's The How and The Why.

Treem has been leaving an indelible imprint on the cultural zeitgeist as a writer and producer of acclaimed television series The Affair, In Treatment and House of Cards. Her smarts and talents are equally on display in her writing for the theater, and her engaging play runs at Theater J from February 15-March 12, 2017.

In The How and the Why, two women have an auspicious first meeting on the eve of a national conference. Rachel is a young researcher and Zelda is an established scholar, and both are brilliant evolutionary biologists who share a passion for science and a contrarian approach to their male-dominated field. But when Rachel challenges Zelda's theory about the way people regard sex, mysteries about the women's relationship begin to unfold. This fascinating play debates views on evolution, feminism, family and generational divides in modern America. Katie DeBuys and Valerie Leonard-both Helen Hayes Award nominated actresses--tackle the power-house roles of Rachel and Zelda, respectively.

"The How and the Why is simply one of the most brilliant plays about science written in the last decade. It's about two whip-smart and ambitious biologists, debating theories that might explain humanity itself," says Adam Immerwahr, Theater J Artistic Director. "But it's also one of the most astonishing plays about feminism that I've ever experienced, exploring the distance and the closeness between two generations: the great feminists and their daughters. It's funny, it's thought-provoking, and it's a terrific ride that you won't want to miss."

Sarah Treem is the co-creator and showrunner of the Golden Globe-winning Showtime drama The Affair. Additionally, the show received a Writer's Guild nomination for Best New Series and was named a finalist for the 2016 Humanitas Prize. Previously Treem wrote for and co-executive produced the first season of David Fincher's hit Netflix series House of Cards. She also wrote on all three seasons of the acclaimed HBO series In Treatment. Treem has earned nominations for Primetime Emmy Awards and four Writers Guild Awards, including two wins for New Series for House of Cards and In Treatment. Among her plays are When We Were Young and Unafraid, which ran in summer 2014 starring Cherry Jones and directed by Pam Mackinnon. Other plays include A Feminine Ending, Empty Sky, Orphan Island, Human Voices and Mirror Mirror.

The How and The Why will be directed by Shirley Serotsky, whose credits include Another Way Home, The Call, Yentl, The Argument (Theater J) and Rapture, Blister, Burn (Round House Theatre).

Katie DeBuys has credits including Miss Bennet and Seminar at Round House Theatre and Stupid F**king Bird and In The Next Room or the vibrator play at Woolly Mammoth. Valerie Leonard's credits include A Bad Friend at Theater J, Guess Who's Coming to Dinner at Arena and A Midsummer Night's Dream at Shakespeare Theatre Company.

Tickets are available starting at $37 at theaterj.org or (202) 777-3210. Three post-show panel discussions are planned. They are: Not Your Mother's Feminism (Sunday, 2/26 following 2:00 performance); Working Women (Sunday, 3/5 following 2:00 performance); Designing Women (Sunday, 3/12 following 2:00 performance).

Theater J is a nationally-renowned, professional theater that celebrates, explores and struggles with the complexities and nuances of both the Jewish experience and the universal human condition. Our work illuminates and examines ethical questions of our time, inter-cultural experiences that parallel our own, and the changing landscape of Jewish identities. As the nation's largest and most prominent Jewish theater, we aim to preserve and expand a rich Jewish theatrical tradition and to create community and commonality through theater-going experiences.

The Edlavitch DCJCC embraces inclusion in all its programs and activities. We welcome and encourage the participation of all people, regardless of their background, sexual orientation, abilities, or religion, including interfaith couples and families.

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