EASTER

"Easter" (1901), a late realistic play by Sweden's greatest genius of the theater, August Strindberg, is a suspenseful masterpiece examining themes of suffering and transcendence through forgiveness. The Morgan family has been shamed and tortured by a family disgrace: its father is in prison for embezzlement and a daughter, Lenora, has been committed to an asylum. Mrs. Morgan and her son, Eliss, fear that they are on the brink of ruin, but as the snow melts and a single daffodil appears, Easter Eve brings them hope, joy and mercy.The play displays a power which can barely be matched in theater of its time. It personifies the playwright in the character of Eliss and contains one of Strindberg's best female roles in Lenora, who is inspired by the playwright's own daughter.To emphasize the timelessness of the play's themes, it will be acted by an all-black cast and adapted to the modern setting of Harlem in 1958.In "Easter," Strindberg revisits the same family that he had established in 1893 with"Playing With Fire." August Strindberg Repertory presented that play last Spring with an all-black cast in association with The Negro Ensemble. The production opened at the New School Theatre and was elevated to an Off-Broadway production at the Gene Frankel Theatre the following month; it was nominated for three Audelco awards including Best Revival and Best Ensemble. Actors from "Playing With Fire" will return to play their corresponding roles in "Easter.""Easter" plays Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:00 PM and Sunday matinees at 2:00 PM. Previews begin March 8; the opening is March 14 and last performance on Easter Sunday, March 31. Half-price student and senior discounts -- use discount codes STU9 and SNR9 for $9.00 tickets! The Gene Frankel Theatre, 24 Bond Street, is wheelchair-accessible and has wheelchair-accessible backstage bathrooms available before and after the show.

Drama"

Theater.Drama