A revival of acclaimed novelist Marguerite Duras' play Savannah Bay opens Nov. 22 with Peg Small and India Blake at the Theatre for the New City. Previews began Nov. 18. Andrew Volkoff directs this new translation by Barbara Bray.
Small steps in to replace the previously announced Ruth Warrick ("All My Children") in the role of Madeleine. Warrick left the role because "the rigors of prior commitments," according to a released statement.
Set in the French Colonial tropics, Savannah Bay explores the relationship between Madeleine, an aging actress and her granddaughter. Duras as novelist is best known for her 1984 book, "The Lover," winner of France's Prix Goncourt and an American best-seller. Her 1959 screenplay "Hiroshima, Mon Amour" won the Best Screenplay prize at the Cannes Film Festival.
Small's credits include Orpheus Descending with Vanessa Redgrave, the Jean Stapleton national tour of Arsenic and Old Lace and The Fiery Furnace with Julie Harris. Blake will be making her Off-Broadway debut after performing in productions in Europe.
Tickets are $35 and available by calling Ticket Central at (212) 279-4200. Theater for the New City is located at 155 First Avenue between 9th and 10th Streets. -- By Christine Ehren