Urban Stages' Controversial Unseamly Explores Real-Life Sexual Harassment | Playbill

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News Urban Stages' Controversial Unseamly Explores Real-Life Sexual Harassment Urban Stages is presenting the American premiere of Oren Safdie's Unseamly, a controversial play inspired by a variety of sexual harassment charges brought against well-known clothing companies. Sarah C. Carlsen directed the limited engagement, which will run through Nov. 1.

Unseamly tells the story of a young woman seeking legal advice to initiate charges of sexual harassment against her former boss, the CEO of an international clothing company known for its risqué billboards. In Unseamly, female sexuality confronts male corporate power.

The show is a thinly veiled statement on the sexual harassment charges brought up against former American Apparel CEO Dov Charney.

Safdie, who is Charney's first cousin, said in an interview with the New York Post, "Some people have called me an opportunist, and others have called me brave. I have my own private reasons for writing the play; none of them are directed towards my cousin."

When Unseamly was presented in Montreal, Safdie received a letter in the mail with nothing on it but his Social Security number. His credit card was then used to make several fraudulent purchases. After the run of the show was over, his wife received a letter with her Social Security number and birthdate written on it. Her credit card was then used to make several fraudulent purchases.

Unseamly was first presented at the Infinite Theatre in Canada, where it garnered national attention.

Urban Stages founding artistic director Frances Hill said in a statement, "Sexual harassment and power plays in corporate America, sadly, are not uncommon. Oren has crafted an edgy, cutting play that explores the truth and manipulation in corporate America. The play asks just how far one will go to get to the top? Although it’s controversial, it’s a very smart and important play to see and Urban Stages is proud to bring this play to the stage."

For more information, visit UrbanStages.org.

 
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