On September 27th, 2012, Actors’ Theatre Grand Rapids will present the world premiere of David Turkel’s new play Nadia. Nadia was previously seen by Grand Rapids theatre-goers this past February as part of the 2012 Pipeline Reading series of new plays and was chosen by Actors’ artistic staff for full production to open the 32nd season of Actors’ Theatre.
The art world, and the public at large, are both fascinated and repulsed by the taboo work of the enigmatic Russian artist Nadia. Enter Kristen, a young grad student researching the world of the artist, who is willing to go to extraordinary lengths to put herself in her subject’s shoes…
Lines between art, pornography, life and psychological torture blur in David Turkel’s compelling new play that examines the convergence – and inevitable consequence – of art, love and war.
Nadia will be directed by Dr. Stephanie Sandberg, Associate Professor at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Dr. Sandberg has been the driving force behind several world premieres at Actors’ Theatre, including the 2007 production of Seven Passages: The Stories of Gay Christians and the 2010 production of Lines: The Lived Experience of Race. In addition to two world premieres at Actors’, additional directing credits for Actors’ include Frozen by Bryony Lavery and the 2006 production of Elizabeth Rex. Among her many accomplishments are a co-adaptation for the stage of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility and dramaturgical work with University of the South, New Dramatists (NYC), and 78th Street Theatre Lab. Dr. Sandberg holds a PhD in Dramatic Arts from UC, Santa Barbara.
Jonathan Clausen, Director of Development for Actors’ Theatre, had this to say about Actors’ decision to produce the new work:
“David (Turkel) is a writer’s writer. His work is thoughtful, intelligent, witty and fun – with just enough darkness to keep audiences on their toes. As important, his play is accessible and extremely relevant, given that the Actors’ premeire occurs during the final two weeks of the 2012 ArtPrize event.
Nadia is an exciting new play about interpretation – not only of art and artists but of youth and experience, humor and cynicsm, repulsion and desire, even love and hate.”
Nadia will be performed September 27, 28, 29 and October 4, 5 and 6, 2012 at GRCC Spectrum Theater, 160 Fountain Street NE, Grand Rapids. All currently scheduled performances begin at 8PM.
Individual ticket sales will be open to the public on September 17, 2012. Season tickets, which include priority reservations for all productions starting September 10, 2012, are currently available for purchase online at www.atgr.org or by contacting the Actors’ Theatre business office at (616) 234-3968.
Members of the media wishing to obtain special access may contact Jon Clausen, Director of Development and Marketing, at jon@atgr.org or (616) 234-3817.
Behind the Curtain at... 