For Immediate Release
March 7, 2016
IRT EXPLORES THE AMERICAN EXPERIENCE WITH SARAH JONES’ BRIDGE & TUNNEL
Indiana Repertory Theatre (IRT) brings Bridge & Tunnel, a Tony Award-winning play by Sarah Jones, to stage on March 29 through May 1.
In this one-woman performance, Milicent Wright, stage veteran of more than 30 IRT productions and teaching artist for over 14 years, brings to life more than a dozen characters of both genders, varying races and ages as she shares immigrant stories that are funny, poignant and full of hope.
“We all have a past full of joys and regrets, and an unknown future full of hopes and dreams and fears. We all come from families that were—one generation or eight generations ago—immigrants. There will always be issues that separate us. But there is so much more that holds us together,” said Richard Roberts, Director of Bridge & Tunnel and IRT’s Dramaturg.
Playwright Sarah Jones’ play spotlights literary enthusiasts with varying levels of skill who individually and collectively remind us how art can help people to unlock the stories in their hearts, which creates a powerful experience for us all to share.
“Twelve years after Bridge & Tunnel was written, it’s gripping how truly relevant this play is with what is happening in our world today,” said Wright. “Although the play is set in the United States, immigration, refugees and human rights are ardent global political issues.”
Wright says that playing Jones’ characters is a tantalizing challenge, but that honoring the truth of each character is particularly important.
“In the five one-woman shows that Milicent and I have done together, she’s played dozens and dozens of characters,” said Roberts. “In Bridge & Tunnel, she plays 15 more. One thing they all share is the deep well of humanity that overflows in Milicent, not only on stage but everywhere she goes in life.”
DETAILS
WHAT: Bridge & Tunnel, by Sarah Jones
WHERE: IRT Upperstage, 140 W. Washington Street
WHEN: March 29 – May 1
COST: $25 - 59
RUNNUNG TIME: 90 minutes
AGE: Recommended for grades 11-12 due to strong language and mature themes
CAST & CREATIVE TEAM
MILICENT WRIGHT | VARIOUS ROLES
RICHARD ROBERTS | DIRECTOR
JOEL GRYNHEIM | STAGE MANAGER
GORDON STRAIN | SCENIC DESIGNER
KATIE COWAN-SICKMEIER | COSTUME DESIGNER
ALLEN HAHN | LIGHTING DESIGNER
TODD REISHMAN | SOUND DESIGNER
SPECIAL EVENTS
MARCH 25 | POETRY SLAM AT 7 PM
In celebration of art and culture leading up to Bridge & Tunnel, the IRT will host a Poetry Slam event on March 25 at 7 PM, where professional spoken word artists share their story for an opportunity to win cash prizes. This free event takes place on the OneAmerica mainstage. For more information visit facebook.com/irtlive.
APRIL 1 | OPENING NIGHT
Features a champagne toast with the cast after the performance.
APRIL 10 | IRT TEA TALK WITH IUPUI’S MODUPE GLORIA LABODE
Post-show discussion with tea and cookies as Modupe Gloria Labode discusses race & culture as found throughout Bridge & Tunnel.
APRIL 20 | DINNER AND A SHOW WITH THE OCEANAIRE
Hand selected, three-course dinner for $75 per person. Reserve by calling the ticket office at 317-635-5252.
APRIL 21 | COOKIES & COFFEE MATINEE
Cookies from Vanilla Bean Bakery and coffee before and during the intermission of your performance.
APRIL 24 | POST-SHOW DISCUSSION WITH FAIR HOUSING CENTER OF CENTRAL INDIANA AFTER THE 4 PM PERFORMANCE
Stay for a discussion lead by leaders at FHCCI and learn what they are doing to advocate fair and equal housing for all Hoosiers.
APRIL 26 | HAPPY HOUR
Complimentary drinks from Sun King Brewing and New Day Craft plus 1/2 priced bar drinks all night long!
PERFORMANCE CALENDAR
Tuesday, March 29 at 7:30 PM
Wednesday, March 30 at 6:30 PM
Thursday, March 31 at 7:30 PM
Friday, April 01 at 7:30 PM – Opening night
Saturday, April 02 at 5 PM
Sunday, April 03 at 2 PM
Thursday, April 07 at 7:30 PM
Friday, April 08 at 7:30 PM
Saturday, April 09 at 1 PM
Saturday, April 09 at 5 PM
Sunday, April 10 at 2 PM
Thursday, April 14 at 7:30 PM
Friday, April 15 at 7:30 PM
Saturday, April 16 at 5 PM
Saturday, April 16 at 9 PM
Sunday, April 17 at 6 PM
Wednesday, April 20 at 7:30 PM
Thursday, April 21 at 2 PM
Friday, April 22 at 7:30 PM
Saturday, April 23 at 4 PM
Saturday, April 23 at 8 PM
Sunday, April 24 at 2 PM
Tuesday, April 26 at 6:30 PM
Thursday, April 28 at 7:30 PM
Sunday, May 01 at 2 PM
Founded in 1971, the IRT is the largest and fully professional not-for-profit theatre in the state and has grown into one of the leading regional theatres in the country. The mission of IRT is to produce top-quality, professional theatre and related activities, providing experiences that will engage, surprise, challenge and entertain people throughout their lifetimes, helping us build a vital and vibrant community.
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