Tag Archives: Know Theatre of Cincinnati

March 21, 2014 · 1:16 pm

Know Theatre is Excited to Announce THE TWENTIETH-CENTURY WAY

KNOW THEATRE IS EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE
THE TWENTIETH-CENTURY WAY
by Tom Jacobson
directed by Kimberly Faith Hickman

 Two men. Over a dozen roles. A queer piece of American History.

KTC_20th Century WayLong Beach, California. 1914. A scourge of homosexuality plagues the city.The Long Beach Police hire two actors to entrap gay men in the crime of “social vagrancy.”

In an empty theatre, two actors meet while awaiting an audition. As tension between them mounts, they find themselves playing the story of a near forgotten piece of American history — a story from a time when people were prosecuted for daring to be themselves. But the truth of who these actors really are is slowly exposed as the story unzips. Performances run April 4-May 3 at Know Theatre in Over-the-Rhine.

A highly theatrical exploration of performance and the masks we all wear in our everyday lives, The Twentieth-Century Way is part engaging historical drama, part acting tour de force, and part incisive social commentary.

“This is the kind of play that begs to be staged,” says Know’s incoming Artistic Director Andrew Hungerford. “Tom Jacobson utilizes the kind of quick character shifts and theatricality that we normally associate with madcap, small cast comedies, like The 39 Steps, in service of a story that, while playful, has decidedly serious undercurrents.”

Director Kimberly Faith Hickman (Assistant Director of Broadway’s Clybourne Park and The Assembled Parties) helms the show in her first Mainstage production with Know Theatre. “The Twentieth-Century Way is one of the most surprising plays I have ever directed,” Kimberly says. “With its muscular theatricality and unpredictable plot twists, the play takes audiences on a ride that they have never experienced before – leading the audience to often consider ‘what is true?’ and ‘what is real?’ ”

“It’s fascinating to me that there are such egregious pieces of our collective history that few remember or have ever heard of,” says current Producing Artistic Director Eric Vosmeier. “I’m pleased Andrew has chosen this show which gives voice to stories that may not otherwise have one. This production marks Andrew’s first in his capacity as the next Artistic Director for Know Theatre. I’m thrilled with his selection, casting, and production crew. I look forward to sitting back with the audience to watch this production unfold under his leadership.”

Know is thrilled to welcome back actor Jens Rasmussen (Skin Tight, Gruesome Playground Injuries). Playing opposite Jens is Chicago actor Michael McKeogh in his Know Theatre debut.

Cast: 

  • Jens Rasmussen* – Warren
  • Michael McKeogh – Brown
    *Member of Actors’ Equity Association 

Production Team

  • Director: Kimberly Faith Hickman
  • Scenic and Lighting Designer/Incoming Producing Artistic Director: Andrew Hungerford
  • Sound Designer: Doug Borntrager
  • Costume Designer: Noelle Wedig

Note: This production has adult content and is recommended for mature audiences only.

Calendar Listing:

Production: The Twentieth-Century Way by Tom Jacobson.
Directed by Kimberly Faith Hickman.
When: April 4 -May 3, 2014. Performances on Thursdays through Saturdays at 8pm.
With a special matinee on Sunday, April 27 at 2pm.
Where: Know Theatre of Cincinnati. 1120 Jackson Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202. In historic Over-the-Rhine.
Tickets: $15 in advance, $20 week of the performance beginning Mondays at noon.

To purchase tickets or for more information, visit: http://www.knowtheatre.com or call 513.300.3669 (KNOW).

Additional Information:
Kimberly Faith Hickman (Director) Off-Broadway and NYC credits include work with Manhattan Theatre Club, Roundabout Theatre Company, Atlantic Theatre Company, Women’s Project, Epic Theatre Ensemble and Theatre Row, as well as terraNOVA Collective, Horse Trade Theatre Group and Writopia Lab. Regional credits include Center Theatre Group, Williamstown Theatre Festival, Westport Country Playhouse, Next Act Theatre, Springer Opera House, Off Square Theatre Company, Playhouse on the Square, Know Theatre / Cincinnati Fringe Festival and national touring companies. Select Broadway assistant directing credits include mentorships with Lynne Meadow (The Assembled Parties), Pam MacKinnon (Clybourne Park) and Susan Stroman (The Scottsboro Boys). BFA: Columbus State University, Artistic Associate at terraNOVA Collective, recipient of the Alec Baldwin Directing Fellowship, two SDC Foundation Observerships and two Manhattan Theatre Club Directing Fellowships. Member of Directors Lab West, Lincoln Center Theater Directors Lab and SDC. Special thanks to Andrew and the rest of the Know team. Visit www.kimberlyfaithhickman.com

Michael McKeogh (Brown) A Chicago-based actor, Michael is thrilled to be making his Know Theartre debut in The Twentieth-Century Way. His most recent credits include: Col. Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain in The Killer Angels (Lifeline Theatre); Farsari/Dmitri in Concerning Strange Devices From the Distant West (TimeLine Theatre); Dr. Greenberg in Freshly Fallen Snow (Chicago Dramatists). Other regional credits include: Algernon in The Importance of Being Ernest (Play Phare Theatre, NYC) and Roderigo in Othello (Boston TheatreWorks). In 2012, Michael received an MFA in Acting from The Theatre School at DePaul University. He is represented by Paonessa Talent.

Jens Rasmussen (Warren) Cincinnati: Know Theatre: Skin Tight (Acclaim Award), Gruesome Playground Injuries (League of Cincinnati Theatres Award) Off-Broadway: La MaMa: I Came to Look for You on Tuesday; Working Theatre: Stories from the 99%; HERE: The Strangest; Theatre Row: The Other Man; Internationalists: The Odyssey; Pan Asian Rep: Carry the Tiger to the Mountain Regional: Studio Theatre: Skin Tight; Folger Theatre: Conference of the Birds; Milwaukee Rep: Merchant of Venice; VA Shakespeare Festival: Taming of the Shrew; Mill Mountain Theatre: Doubt, Proof, Hamlet, Laramie Project; NC Shakespeare Festival: Glass Menagerie Film & TV: Morningside Monster, Stephen King’s Survivor Type, “The Plague,” “Nurse Jackie.” Proud member AEA www.jensrasmussen.info

Since 1997, Know Theatre has been dedicated to creating explosive and evocative live entertainment. We value a playful artistic community where artists can collaborate and grow.

Know Theatre’s work is made possible, in part, by the generosity of community contributions to the ArtsWave Campaign.The Ohio Arts Council helps fund Know Theatre with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence, and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. Know Theatre is also supported by The Carol Ann & Ralph V. Haile, Jr./U.S. Bank Foundation, helping to change our communities for the better through collaboration and innovation, and the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, which provides a simple, powerful, and highly personal approach to giving.

Know Theatre is a member of Theatre Communications Group and an Associate member of the National New Play Network

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March 17, 2014 · 4:05 pm

THE TWENTIETH-CENTURY WAY Runs April 4-May 3

KTC_20th Century WayTHE TWENTIETH-CENTURY WAY
Presented by Know Theatre of Cincinnati
April 4-May 3
Over-the-Rhine

Directed by Kimberly Faith Hickman

Cast: Michael McKeogh & Jens Rasmussen

In an empty theatre, two actors meet while awaiting an audition. As tension between them mounts, they find themselves playing the story of a near forgotten piece of American history — a story from a time when people were prosecuted for daring to be themselves. But the truth of who these actors really are is slowly exposed as the story unzips.

  • Fri-Sat, April 4-5 at 8pm
  • Thu-Sat, April 10-12 at 8pm
  • Thu-Sat, April 17-19 at 8pm
  • Thu-Sat, April 24-26 at 8pm
  • Sun, April 27 at 3pm
  • Thu-Sat, May 1-3 at 8pm

Official page |

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February 18, 2014 · 5:37 pm

KTC Presents WE WILL RISE

Know Theatre of Cincinnati presents
WE WILL RISE: Selections from The Afghan Women’s Writing Project
Adapted by Elizabeth Martin and Lauren Hynek

KTC_We Shall RiseKnow Theatre is pleased to announce our next production, WE WILL RISE: Selections from The Afghan Women’s Writing Project. This staged reading will again be a very limited run with performances on March 7, 2014 at 8 pm and March 8, 2014 at 3 pm and 8 pm in the Harriet Tubman Theater at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.

The Afghan Women’s Writing Project was founded on the principle that to tell one’s story is a human right. It gives a voice to the voiceless by providing training, education, and an outlet for Afghan women to share their stories directly with the world, in their own words, and most importantly free from the filters of male relatives and media.

These women have been told their stories do not matter. They have frequently been forced into silence. And yet many of these women have risked their lives to tell their stories.

In Honor of Women’s History Month, Know Theatre is proud to present a selection of writings from some of these courageous women, translated to the stage. Performances will be held at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.

In the Fall of 2011, Know Theatre commissioned playwrights Elizabeth Martin & Lauren Hynek to curate a performance piece from the writings available on the project website (www.awwproject.org). The result was a sold out limited-run of the production in the spring of 2012. Producing Artistic Director, Eric Vosmeier, says “For this remounted production of the Afghan Women’s Writing Project, we are thrilled to be partnering with the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. This partnership has been a long time in the making and we couldn’t be happier to be working with them on this production while we plan future collaborations.”

President of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, Clarence G Newsome adds, “The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is proud to partner with Know Theatre to bring the stories of these courageous women to light. We invite you to come and experience these freedom heroes for yourselves, and leave inspired to carry the banner of freedom for those who can’t carry it for themselves“.

AWWP’s mission is to empower Afghan women to share their voices with the world. Despite deteriorating security, women in Afghanistan – determined to tell their own stories – gather online and in “writing huts” in undisclosed locations in Kabul and Herat to receive mentoring from American women authors and professors, and to participate in writing workshops and reading salons. AWWP’s online magazine is the vehicle through which their stories are shared. The project also aims to promote greater economic independence for these women by strengthening their self-confidence, computer literacy and writing skills, and to encourage the inclusion of women’s voices in Afghanistan’s national dialogue. The project reaches out to talented and generous women author/teachers here in the United States and engages them, on a volunteer, rotating basis, to teach Afghan women online from Afghanistan. The goal of the project is to encourage the women to develop their voices and share their stories, something that was not permitted during the years when Afghanistan was Taliban-held.

“When I stumbled upon a review of the first staged performance of these pieces I was intrigued by the concept,” says Vosmeier. “Once I spent some time on the site, I knew I wanted our audiences to hear these women and I immediately conceived a partnership with the Freedom Center. The stories are touching and horrifying, funny and thoughtful. They are inspiring in so many ways and when you realize that some of the writers put their lives in danger just to write, you know that these stories deserve to be heard by as many people as possible.”

This season, tickets are $15 in advance and $20 the week of the performance (beginning Monday March 3 at noon). Season subscription six-show flexible passes are available for $90 and guarantees the advance ticket price all season long. Tickets can be purchased by visiting knowtheatre.com or by calling the box office at 513.300.KNOW (5669)

Cast 

  • Burgess Byrd – Diplomat
  • Maya Farhat – Daughter
  • Maliyah Gramata – Young Pessimist
  • Lauren Hayes – Young Optimist
  • Amy Warner* – Mother Refugee
  • Torie Wiggins* – Warrior 

*Member of Actors’ Equity Association

Production Team

  • Co-directors—Elizabeth Martin
  • Co-curators – Elizabeth Martin & Lauren Hynek

Production Dates

  • 8 pm: March 7, 8
  • 3 pm: March 8

Additional Information
The Afghan Women’s Writing Project began as an idea during novelist Masha Hamilton’s last trip to Afghanistan in November 2008. Masha first visited the country in 2004, and was awed and inspired by the resolute courage of the women she met. When she returned, she saw doors were closing and life was again becoming more difficult, especially for women. She began to fear we could lose access to the voices of Afghan women if we didn’t act soon. The Afghan Women’s Writing Project is aimed at allowing Afghan women to have a direct voice in the world, not filtered through male relatives or members of the media. Many of these Afghan women have to make extreme efforts to gain computer access in order to secretly submit their writings, in English, to the project.

Our Partners

National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
We reveal stories of freedom’s heroes, from the era of the Underground Railroad to contemporary times, challenging and inspiring courageous steps of freedom today. Now on view: And Still We Rise, the largest-ever exhibition of African American story quilts, now through March 29. Museum open Tuesday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission $12 adults; $10 seniors/students and $8 children 3-12. Group discounts available with advance registration. 50 E Freedom Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202. 513-333-7500.

Since 1997, Know Theatre has been dedicated to creating explosive and evocative live entertainment. We value a playful artistic community where artists can collaborate and grow.

Know Theatre’s work is made possible, in part, by the generosity of community contributions to the ArtsWave Campaign. The Ohio Arts Council helps fund Know Theatre with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence, and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. Know Theatre is also supported by The Carol Ann & Ralph V. Haile, Jr./U.S. Bank Foundation, helping to change our communities for the better through collaboration and innovation, and the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, which provides a simple, powerful, and highly personal approach to giving.

Know Theatre is an Associate member of the National New Play Network.

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January 27, 2014 · 9:30 am

KTC’s PLUTO Earns 4 Star LCT Rating

Annie Fitzpatrick & Wes Carman. Photo by Deogracias Lerma.

Annie Fitzpatrick & Wes Carman. Photo by Deogracias Lerma.

LCT Panelists label “Pluto” a 4-Star production! LCT panelists state “the magical realism in the play is brutal, astonishing, and moving.” This panelist singled out the direction by Jason Bruffy stating “the play is outstanding as a vision of the unbearable happening and how time refuses to move forward.”

Panelists also single out lead actor Wesley Carman, an NKU Junior, for his moving portrayal of the troubled son, Bailey.

Panelists applauded the skills of costume designer Noelle Wedig (her costumes are “bizarrely provocative”) and set designer Andrew Hungerford: “all the special effects, the lighting, the sound, the set, the supernatural elements – come together to enhance a dark but interesting script in the best way possible.”

Produced by Know Theatre of Cincinnati and presented through February 22, this abstract play, written by Steve Yockey, is the story of a single mother who tries to reconnect with her withdrawn son after a violent tragedy at a local community college, while mysterious forces threaten to invade their kitchen.

For more information or tickets for “Pluto” go towww.knowtheatre.com or call 513-300-KNOW.

League of Cincinnati Theatre panelists evaluate productions on a 5 star scale and recommend shows at either a 4 star or 5 star level. Nominations for LCT awards will be determined and announced at the end of the season and winners awarded at the annual LCT gala in the spring.

The League of Cincinnati Theatres was founded in 1999 to strengthen, nurture and promote Cincinnati’s theatre community. LCT provides its member companies and individual members with education, resources and services to enhance the quality and exposure of the theatre community in Cincinnati and increase community awareness, attendance and involvement. More information about the League can be found at www.leagueofcincytheatres.com.

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January 10, 2014 · 1:10 pm

Know Theatre is Proud to Present PLUTO

KNOW THEATRE IS PROUD TO PRESENT
The National New Play Network Rolling World Premiere of

KTC_Pluto_logo

Know Theatre is a proud participant in this world premiere production of Steve Yockey’s daring new work, PLUTO. Yockey’s powerful script explores tragedy, loss, and the ways in which love shifts our perception. He creates a world that mixes a contemporary setting with mythological elements, balancing painful drama and cathartic humor.

In the wake of a violent tragedy at a local community college, single mother, Elizabeth, struggles to reconnect with her withdrawn son, Bailey, across the breakfast table. Continually interrupted by a talkative three-headed dog, an animated refrigerator, and a radio gone haywire, time is running short for mother and son to deal with the morning’s events. As mysterious forces threaten to break into their kitchen, Bailey and Elizabeth struggle to find an understanding that will allow them to move forward with their lives.

Know Theatre’s producing artistic director, Eric Vosmeier says, “PLUTO promises to be one of my favorite shows. The cast is phenomenal, and we’re thrilled to welcome Jason Bruffy, former artistic director of Know Theatre, back to direct. PLUTO is a powerful and deliberate script. Yockey has created such a unique world that you are unsure what is real and what is otherworldly.”

As part of a National New Play Network rolling world premiere, Know Theatre is one of four theatres across the country collaborating to bring PLUTO to life. PLUTO will be produced by Forum Theatre in Silver Springs, Maryland and by Orlando Shakespeare Theatre in Orlando, Florida in March of 2014 shortly after Know Theatre of Cincinnati’s production closes. Actors Express in Atlanta, Georgia produced the production in November of 2013. The rolling world premiere ensures that a play will live beyond a single production, bringing important new work to multiple regions in one season and supporting playwrights directly. For more information, please visit www.nnpn.org.

Vosmeier adds, “Becoming a member of NNPN is something that Jason and I used to talk about. Now we’re proud to be the only Cincinnati theatre that is an Associate Member and on the path to full membership. NNPN helps playwrights create their best work and then provides them an outlet for that work. They have created a model program that benefits playwrights, theatres, and audiences across the country. It’s an honor to be a part of this community of theatres, and to be able to produce this world-premiere work. Being a part of this network of theatres is another key step for Know Theatre onto the national stage.”

Know Theatre’s award-winning design team will tackle a number of challenges in creating the world for PLUTO. The production features a fully-equipped kitchen, several special effects, unique costume and prop pieces, and a number of scenic elements never before seen on Know Theatre’s stage. Vosmeier says, “This was one of the things that excited me about this script. It demands a design that will challenge our production team and stretch our skills as a group.” Designer Andrew Hungerford adds, “Most of the design work we do at Know tends to fall into one of two categories: either an expressionistic, stylized space, or theatrical realism. This script is exciting and challenging in that it blends both of those styles to create a reality with permeable borders. Steve Yockey’s work is highly theatrical, and requires visually compelling design.”

To aid in creating this production, Know Theatre of Cincinnati has brought back the hugely successful Club of Jacksons community supported production sponsorship. Through the Club of Jacksons, Know Theatre previously raised $22,500 in support of the hit production Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson. This time around we’re raising $10,000 in support of this world premiere production. “We love doing these community powered campaigns. They remind us that we are part of a bigger family of people who appreciate the work that we do and want to help create amazing theatre for the City of Cincinnati. The money raised will go toward supporting all aspects of this production, but namely the stellar cast we have assembled and the intricate designs required to make this show amazing. The last time we went to the community for support of a production, we saw over 300 individual supporters join the Club. So far we’ve reached 77% of our goal of $10,000 and we’re steadily climbing.”

The Club of Jacksons is a unique community powered production sponsorship. For as little as $20 per month, you can join the club and help breathe life into this world premiere production. Joining the Club can be done by calling the theatre at 513-300-5669 [KNOW], in person at the theatre, or online at www.knowtheatre.com/donatenow.html.

Cast:

  • Wesley Carman – Bailey
  • Torie Wiggins* – Cerberus
  • Annie Fitzpatrick* – Elizabeth
  • Lauren Hayes – Maxine
  • Ken Early* – Death 

*Member of Actors’ Equity Association

Production Team:

  • Director: Jason Bruffy
  • Scenic and Lighting Designer/Incoming Producing Artistic Director: Andrew Hungerford
  • Sound Designer: Doug Borntrager
  • Costume Designer: Noelle Wedig 

About the National New Play Network
The National New Play Network (NNPN) is the country’s alliance of nonprofit theatres that champions the development, production and continued life of new plays. It strives to pioneer, implement and disseminate ideas and programs that revolutionize the way theatres collaborate to support new plays and playwrights. Know Theatre is an associate member of the NNPN.

Calendar Listing:

Production: Pluto by Steve Yockey. Directed by Jason Bruffy. A National New Play Network Rolling World Premiere.

When: January 24-February 22. Runs Thursdays through Saturdays at 8pm. With a special matinee on Sunday, February 9 at 2pm.

Where: Know Theatre of Cincinnati. 1120 Jackson Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202. In historic Over-the-Rhine.

Tickets: $15 in advance, $20 week of the performance beginning Mondays at noon.

To purchase tickets or for more more information, visit: www.knowtheatre.com or call 513.300.3669 (KNOW).

Since 1997, Know Theatre has been dedicated to creating explosive and evocative live entertainment. We value a playful artistic community where artists can collaborate and grow.

Know Theatre’s work is made possible, in part, by the generosity of community contributions to the ArtsWave Campaign.The Ohio Arts Council helps fund Know Theatre with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence, and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. Know Theatre is also supported by The Carol Ann & Ralph V. Haile, Jr./U.S. Bank Foundation, helping to change our communities for the better through collaboration and innovation, and the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, which provides a simple, powerful, and highly personal approach to giving.

Know Theatre is an Associate member of the NNPN.

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