Austin Shakespeare Theatre Company Production of Anthem, Based on Ayn Rand's Novel, Begins Sept. 25 | Playbill

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News Austin Shakespeare Theatre Company Production of Anthem, Based on Ayn Rand's Novel, Begins Sept. 25 The Austin Shakespeare Theatre Company's stage adaptation of Ayn Rand's novel "Anthem" begins previews Sept. 25, prior to an official opening Oct. 7. Performances will continue through Dec. 1 at the Baryshnikov Arts Center.

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The novel was adapted for the stage by composer Jeff Britting, curator of the Ayn Rand Archives.

"Anthem is the story of a young man, Equality 7-2521, who is born into a future world that has banished all individuality," press notes state. "Not satisfied with a world lighted by candles, Equality fosters his love of discovery in an abandoned subway, a relic of the past. In solitude, Equality rediscovers electricity and a new source of light. Above ground he meets and falls in love with Liberty 5-3000, committing a further 'sin of preference.'"

"Anthem" was first published in 1938 and poses the ethical-political issue of individualism vs. collectivism. Rand, author of "The Fountainhead" and "Atlas Shrugged," is known for her philsophical system called Objectivism.

Directed by Ann Ciccolella, artistic director of the Austin Shakespeare Theatre Company, the cast of Anthem includes Matthew Lieff Christian as Equality, Lelund Durond Thompson as International, Tina Johnson as Old Woman and Sofia Lauwers as Liberty with Sarah Walker Thornton and Alex Teicheira in the ensemble.

The production also features set design by Kevin Judge, costume design by Theresa Squire, lighting design by Jason Amato and sound design by Anthony Mattana.

Tickets and more information are available by calling (866) 811-4111 or visiting AnthemthePlay.com.

 
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