Shepard's Kicking a Dead Horse Extends Run at the Public

By Adam Hetrick
and Andrew Gans
15 May 2008

Even before it has begun performances, the Public Theater staging of Kicking a Dead Horse – starring Academy Award nominee Stephen Rea – has been extended.

A co-production with Ireland's Abbey Theatre, the Sam Shepard play will make its American debut June 25 and officially open July 14 at the Off-Broadway theatre. Originally slated to conclude its limited engagement July 27, Kicking a Dead Horse will now play an additional two weeks through Aug. 10.

Rea, who also appeared in the Abbey Theatre staging, repeats his duties for the Public engagement. The non-speaking role of Young Woman has yet to be cast.

The play, according to press notes, concerns the "West, a Manhattan art dealer and a dead horse." The creative team includes Brien Vahey (set design), John Comiskey (lighting design), and Joan Bergin (costume design).

The Public previously presented Shepard's Curse of the Starving Class (1978), Tongues (1979), True West (1980) and Simpatico (1994).

Stephen Rea received an Oscar nomination and a Golden Globe nomination for his work in the film "The Crying Game" and a Tony Award nomination for his performance in Someone Who'll Watch Over Me. He began his career at the Abbey Theatre before moving to London. Among Rea's numerous film credits are "Stuck," "Sisters," "Sixty Six," "Till Death," "V for Vendetta," "Breakfast on Pluto," "The River Queen," "The Good Shepherd," "The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea," "All Men Are Mortal," "Pręt a Porter," "Interview with a Vampire," "The Doctor and the Devils," "The House," "Company of Wolves," "Loose Connections" and "Angel."

Show times are Tuesdays at 7 PM, Wednesdays-Fridays at 8 PM, Saturdays at 2 and 8 PM and Sundays at 3 and 7 PM.

The Public Theater is located at 425 Lafayette Street. Tickets will go on sale May 18 by calling (212) 967-7555 or by visiting www.publictheater.org.