The Syringa Tree , a one-woman show written and performed by Pamela Gien, will open A Contemporary Theatre's first season of its Dorothy S. Bullitt Cabaret.
Though Seattle's ACT has been presenting shows in the Bullitt Cabaret since 1996, this is the first year they have planned an entire season in the space.
Syringa (pronounced with a hard "g") is the story of a six-year-old girl facing apartheid in South Africa. Through her interaction with various characters, the young girl comes to better understand her society and the humanity of the people around her.
Though the play is still being revised, actress-writer Gien is currently playing more than 24 roles throughout the entire piece, which is directed by Larry Moss and co-produced by New Moon Productions.
Tickets are currently on sale for The Syringa Tree which is scheduled to open Feb. 18. It is slated to run through March 7 with the possibility of a one-week extension. Performances begin at 7:30 PM on Thursday, 8:00 PM Friday through Saturday and a Sunday matinee at 2 PM.
ACT has mounted many performances in Bullitt over the years, including June Bride and The Vagina Monologues . They have also staged numerous poetry readings and play workshops in the cabaret.
Press representative Michael Sande says ACT is hoping to maintain the cabaret as a playing space for many solo performances.
The Bullitt inaugural season will continue with a solo show by Kevin Joyce, A Pale and Lovely Place , running March 25-April 11.
Season tickets (or "Bullitt Passes") are currently on sale for $50. This entitles patrons to admission to six events throughout the 1999 Cabaret season.
-- By Becki Heller
