DIRECTOR'S NOTE

In the theatre, we have an often used phrase: "suspension of disbelief."   Basically, it means that the audience will willingly accept clearly false things as real, such as an adult playing a child.   They are willing to pretend with us; to not believe their eyes.   For me, this is a major part of the magic of theatre.   Apparently, it was for Brecht too.   When we refer to the "Brechtian style," it's usually in reference to his great belief that audiences should be conscious of being in a theatre.   And yet, Galileo is a play about a man who believes what he sees, and is ruined when trying to make others accept what they see rather than what they are told.   At first I was stumped by this irony.   But then, I realized that Brecht doesn't take a current event from his lifetime and tell you what to think about it.   Rather, he uses history to allow you to connect the dots.  

My own eyes have been opened in working on this piece.   While reading The New York Times on Friday (May 4, 2007), I discovered the excerpt on the right.   It's an article about the Republican Presidential Candidates' first debate.   Three of the candidates raised their hands to indicate that they did not believe in evolution.  

I don't know if theatre can change the world, but I hope that this play will make you think. To quote Brecht, "Intelligence is not to make no mistakes, but quickly to see how to make them good."

Written by Cheryl L. Davis

Directed by Catherine Miller Hardy

Featuring:
Michelle Brown
Garrett Hendricks
Sarena Kennedy
Vadim Newquist
Chesney Snow
Kyle Younger

Stage Management Intern: Evangeline Rera

The play tells the story of Oscar Micheaux, an African-American who recreated himself and the newborn American film industry in the name of "uplifting the Race."   Against all odds, Micheaux became a successful playwright, novelist and director of over 40 films in segregated, early 20th century America.

Written by Sharon E. Cooper

Directed by Pat Diamond

Featuring:
Lenni Benicaso
Nick Bravin
Willie Mullins
Joe Wohl

Running follows three gay men and one of their mothers from New York to Kentucky after an unexpected death. They are forced to deal with their relationships, their past, and their secrets. Ultimately, they must confront what they are running from and what they must do to lead more authentic lives.