The world-premiere comedy by the Pulitzer Prize finalist is produced in association with Berkeley Repertory Theatre. Commissioned by SCR, the comedy imagines "a meeting during the declining years of the Roman Empire between Scribonius [played by John Vickery], a put-upon playwright, and Emperor Nero [played by Danny Scheie], the all-powerful, narcissistic arbiter of art."
Directed by Sharon Ott, You, Nero runs to Jan. 25 at SCR's Julianne Argyros Stage.
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Rounding out the cast are Richard Doyle (Seneca/Zippo), Caralyn Kozlowski (Poppaea), Hal Landon Jr. (Burrus/Batheticus), Lori Larsen (Agrippina) and Kasey Mahaffy (Fabiolo/Young Nero/Others) with Christopher Crawford, Angelle Buffett and Marissa Hampton.
According to SCR, "Nero, the Emperor of Rome, has an epic public relations problem. He summons Scribonius, last of the great tragedians, to write a play that will turn public opinion in his favor when it is presented at the Neronia Festival of the Arts. Although Scribonius is terrified of displeasing the Emperor, who has the habit of torturing and/or killing anyone who makes that mistake, he recognizes the opportunity to use the power of art to turn Nero's life around. As the two men work through each draft, Nero continually misinterprets Scribonius' meanings, finding justifications for even more tyranny and murder. Scribonius' last effort, having Nero portray himself in the play, backfires completely. Intoxicated by his own creativity, Nero decides he doesn't need a playwright at all — he's going to go onstage, unscripted, at the Neronia Festival himself. And the Colosseum will never be the same." You, Nero is Freed's fourth commission from South Coast Repertory. The previous three are Freedomland (Pulitzer Prize finalist), The Beard of Avon and Safe in Hell. Her other plays include The Psychic Life of Savages and, most recently, Restoration Comedy.
photo by Henry DiRocco |
The creative team includes Erik Flatmo (set design), Paloma H. Young (costume design), Peter Maradudin (lighting design), Stephen LeGrand (music composition/sound design), Eric Drew Feldman (music composition/sound design), John Glore (dramaturg) and Julie Haber (stage manager).
Tickets to You, Nero may be purchased online at www.scr.org, by phone at (714) 708-5555 or in person at the SCR box office.