News Summary

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Actors Theatre of Louisville has announced the plays being produced for the 33rd annual Humana Festival of New American Plays, scheduled for March 1-April 11.

The annual festival will feature a diverse array of work from 18 playwrights.

"The Humana Festival is a celebration of the diversity and strength of new American theatre," said Marc Masterson, the company's artistic director, in a press release announcing the line-up. "The artists in this year's festival represent a cross-section of our culture and include new voices as well as some of the most established and respected writers and directors working in the theatre today."

Six full-length plays provide the heart of the festival:

- "Wild Blessings: A Celebration of Wendell Berry," adapted for the stage by Masterson and Adrien-Alice Hansel from the writing of Wendell Berry. An exploration of the earth, its citizens and the impact of each on the other. This world premiere brings the work of nationally acclaimed poet, novelist and ecological visionary Wendell Berry to the stage in a celebration of words, music and a life well lived.

- "Absalom," by Zoe Kazan. At a Berkshires country house, the children of an aging literary giant gather for a party celebrating the release of their patriarch's tell-all autobiography. When an unexpected guest appears, this family—writers or editors all—must reckon with their stories and who owns them, and with the secrets, betrayals and deep bonds that define what they'll do for love.

- "Under Construction" by Charles L. Mee, created and performed by SITI Company. A collage of America today, inspired by Norman Rockwell and contemporary installation artist Jason Rhoades, Mee's play juxtaposes the fifties and the present, red states and blue, where we grew up and where we live now—a piece that is, like America, permanently under construction.

- "Slasher" by Allison Moore. When she's cast as the "last girl" in a low-budget slasher flick, Sheena thinks it's the big break she's been waiting for. But news of the movie unleashes her malingering mother's thwarted feminist rage, and Mom is prepared to do anything to stop filming...even if it kills her.

- "Ameriville' by UNIVERSES, a cross-cultural, multi-media theater collaborative. UNIVERSES puts the state of the Union under a microscope—race, poverty, politics, history and government—examining our country through the lens of Hurricane Katrina and New Orleans. "Ameriville" combines an innovative mix of poetry, music, movement and drama to get to the heart of this American tragedy.

– "The Hard Weather Boating Party" by Naomi Wallace. Three men, almost strangers, meet in a hotel room to plan an ugly crime against a powerful adversary. Inspired by research on Louisville's Rubbertown neighborhood, Wallace's play explores the struggle between industrial greed and growth, and the health of the community.

This year's festival also includes a comic anthology showcasing the Actors Theatre Acting Apprentice Company and three 10-minute plays, to be announced.

"Over the past 33 years, the Humana Festival of New American Plays has introduced more than 350 plays into the world," said managing director Jennifer Bielstein. "In this time of economic challenges, the arts provide a vital way for us to examine our changing world."

Humana Festival single ticket prices range from $24 to $55 and will be available Nov. 25.

For information or reservations call (502) 584-1205 or visit Actors Theatre's website at www.ActorsTheatre.org.