ST. LOUIS ACTORS’ STUDIO 2008-2009 SEASON:
POWER AND POLITICS

St. Louis Actors’ Studio is proud to announce our second season, Power and Politics. The decision to choose this theme was clear, as 2008 finds our country in the midst of a heated race to the White House, not only causing bipartisan tension, but also strains within political parties—all vying for the position of power, as our country lunges into the future. No matter who is elected in November, 2009 will bring about new leadership, new philosophies and possibly new strategies of influence on the world stage—a world that is also perpetually engaged in the contest of power.

Our new season will illuminate these struggles, these triumphs and disappointments, these power plays and the politics behind them— illustrating how we’re all human, trying to make sense of these daunting, tenuous times. Please join us in our engagement of these themes—for we are all in this together.

Our mission is to explore the endless facets of the human condition by producing collaborative theatre that examines various themes. An ensemble of actors, directors, writers and designers will help us produce our unique perspective.

Sept. 19, 2008 - Oct. 5, 2008 Jean Anouilh’s Antigone Directed by Artistic Director Milton Zoth St. Louis Actors’ Studio opens its Power and Politics season on Sept. 19 with Antigone by French playwright Jean Anouilh. This adaptation of the Greek tragedy is set in modern times. Originally produced in Nazi-occupied France, Antigone’s tragedy is not based on her inability to change her fate, rather it is founded on her futile struggle against the all-powerful state. This production runs through Oct. 5, and will be directed by Artistic Director Milt Zoth.
Oct. 10, 2008 - Oct. 19, 2008 A Fire As Bright As Heaven Written and performed by Tim Collins, Solo performer, 7 shows only Since 2001, Tim Collins has been writing and performing his own comedic, political, multicharacter one-man shows. And now he’s bringing his newest full-length tour de force to the Gaslight Theater for two weeks only. From Oct. 10 – 19, Collins will present A Fire as Bright as Heaven—a play that pits the individual amid the alienation and anxieties of national and global realities in the 21st century.
Nov. 7, 2008 - Nov. 23, 2008 9 Parts of Desire by Heather Raffo Directed by Artistic Director Milton Zoth From November 7 – 23, St. Louis Actors’ Studio presents a St. Louis premiere—Iraqi-American playwright Heather Raffo’s 9 Parts of Desire. First performed in August 2003, this play shines a spotlight on a cross-section of Iraqi women in “an unusually timely meditation on the ancient, the modern and the feminine in a country overshadowed by war.” Artistic Director Milt Zoth will direct this critically acclaimed show that The New Yorker calls “an example of how art can remake the world.”
Jan. 30, 2009 - Feb. 15, 2009 Medal of Honor Rag by Tim Cole Directed by Associate Artistic Director David Wassilak After receiving the Medal of Honor, Sergeant Dale Jackson returned home from the war, but found everyday life too difficult. Tom Cole’s 1975 one-act play about a black Vietnam vet and his white psychiatrist is still eerily relevant. Jackson shares the same fears and anguish as today’s soldier returning home from Iraq, proving that the affect of war on America’s veterans hasn’t changed, no matter what the year, or where the fighting takes place. Medal of Honor Rag runs Jan. 30 – Feb. 15, and will be directed by Associate Artistic Director David Wassilak.
Mar. 27, 2009 - Apr. 12, 2009 Back of the Throat by Yussef El Guindi Directed by Associate Artistic Director David Wassilak Since Sept. 11, 2001, many Arab-American playwrights have gained prominence as they attempt to expose their reality in light of the World Trade Center attacks and the implementation of the Patriot Act. Yussef El Guindi’s play about an Arab-American writer under Homeland Security scrutiny brings to light America’s fears and prejudices, and exemplifies how this collective paranoia allows us to infringe upon our own citizens’ rights—demonstrating that history has a talent for repeating itself. Associate Artistic Director David Wassilak directs Back of the Throat, which runs March 27 – April 12.
Apr. 24, 2009 - May 10, 2009 The Good Person of Setzuan by Bertolt Brecht Directed by Artistic Director Milton Zoth Produced in cooperation with Saint Louis University Theater Department - Xavier Hall-University Theatre Taken from Chinese folklore, Bertolt Brecht’s adaptation of this morality play ultimately asks how a good person can thrive in an ill-meaning, dishonest world. As the heroine finds a solution to her problems, “The Good Person of Setzuan” examines Brecht’s personal belief that altruism is in direct conflict with capitalism, and asks the audience how, or if, an honest person can balance the two. This collaboration between St. Louis Actors’ Studio and Saint Louis University will be directed by Artistic Director Milt Zoth, and will be staged at SLU’s Xavier Hall-University Theater from April 24 – May 10.
May 15, 2009 - May 24, 2009 Martha Mitchell Calling by Jodi Rothe Sometimes referred to as the “Mouth of the South,” Martha Mitchell could have played an important role in recent American history—if anyone had taken her seriously. The wife of John Mitchell, President Nixon’s Attorney General, she is most famous for her phone calls to the press regarding the administration’s Watergate scandal. Lana Pepper directs Jodi Rothe’s play, running May 15 – 24, which fleshes out the woman behind the headlines, and in doing so, gives her the vindication she never received in her lifetime.
June 5, 2009 - June 21, 2009 STLAS Original Production In following with our mission, St. Louis Actors’ Studio will once again present an original play based on this season’s theme—Power & Politics. The play will be the result of collaborative workshops in which actors, directors and writers are encouraged to explore Power and Politics in the form of improvisation, scene work, monologues, and writing. Through this process, we thrive, hone our craft, and continue to grow as artists. We invite you to see the Original Production, the result of this artistic creation, from June 5 – 21.

All shows performed at the Gaslight Theatre, 358 N Boyle, EXCEPT "The Good Person of Setzuan" which will be performed at the Xavier Hall Theatre on the Campus of Saint Louis University.