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American Players Theatre
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P.O. Box 819
Spring Green, WI 53588
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Winter Words
2021 Winter Words
Winter Words is a public play-reading series where APT artists explore new-to-APT plays, some of which may someday make their way to our stages. This popular series is, of course, typically held in the Touchstone Theatre. But this year, Zoom is where it's at. So while the format may be different, these readings still teem with the raw energy of an early table read, produced for you with just one day of rehearsal.
Readings will begin at 7:00 pm Central Time on the dates below. Each reading will be followed by a talk back with the actors and artists.
Tickets are $15, and only available for purchase online. If you need assistance with your order, email the APT Box Office at boxoffice@americanplayers.org.
The 2021 Lineup
April 5
Dontrell, Who Kissed the Sea
By Nathan Alan Davis
Directed by Ameenah Kaplan
"Nathan Alan Davis’s script is sunny and lovable, despite its inexorable pull from present-day Baltimore toward the slave trade’s notorious Middle Passage."
- The Washington Post
Download the program here.
Dontrell is living the American high school dream – straight A, top of the class, headed to college, and the light of his family’s life. And then one night, the dream comes. A dream of an ancestor lost at sea, sending Dontrell on a hero quest through history. But before he dives in, he needs to learn how to swim. A funny and dreamlike work of magical realism, Dontrell, Who Kissed the Sea makes a poetic statement about what it means to be young and Black in America, written by Nathan Alan Davis (Nat Turner in Jerusalem).
Dontrell, Who Kissed the Sea is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com
Dontrell, Who Kissed the Sea was first produced in a rolling world premiere by Skylight Theatre Company as a co-production with Lower Depth Theatre Ensemble (California), Phoenix Theatre Company (Indianapolis, Indiana), Theatre Alliance (Washington, DC),Oregon Contemporary Theatre (Eugene, Oregon) and Cleveland Public Theatre as part of the National New Play Network’s Continued Life Program. Dontrell, Who Kissed the Sea was presented in a development production at CULTURALDC’s 2014 Source Festival in Washington, DC.
This play reading is meant for private viewing only and may not be screened for any other purpose. Under no circumstances may it be shared or duplicated. This play reading has been made available in partnership with the employees represented by Stage Directors & Choreographers Society.
February 22
Agamemnon
By Aeschylus | Adapted by Simon Scardifield
Directed by David Daniel
“…a cracking version, featuring a brilliantly conceived three-person Chorus who merge almost seamlessly into the narrative." – Radio Review
With the Trojan War raging, King Agamemnon offers a brutal sacrifice in hopes of getting his brother’s wife, Helen, out of Troy. But that bloody betrayal paves the way for more violent acts, until the palace runs with the blood of innocent and guilty alike. The first play in the Oresteia trilogy, Aeschylus’ classic tale of betrayal and revenge comes to new life on Zoom. This one was originally scheduled to be the final Winter Words reading of 2020 – too good to be left behind.
Featuring: Kelsey Brennan (Iphigenia/Aegisthus); Nate Burger (Chorus 1); Tracy Michelle Arnold (Chorus 3); David Alan Anderson (Chorus 2); David Daniel (Narrator/Soldier 2); Melisa Pereyra (Clytemnestra/Calchus); Tim Gittings (Soldier 1/Soldier 3); Brian Mani (Agamemnon/Guard); Colleen Madden (Cassandra/Herald)
Artistic Associates: Evelyn Matten & Jake Penner
Run time: approximately 90 minutes. No intermission.
March 8
Dear Brutus By J.M. Barrie Directed by Kelsey Brennan “It’s Peter Pan for grownups.” – The Guardian
J.M. Barrie's take on what happens when people are, in fact, forced to grow up. And then, just as they're coming to terms with adulthood, are provided with a reprieve. A mysterious man invites an eclectic group of friends and lovers to his home on Midsummer (yes, Midsummer). Then, after being specifically warned against it, the group heads into the woods for a series of strange and fantastic events, and maybe a few realizations.
Featuring: Annabel Armour (Mrs. Coade); Tracy Michelle Arnold (Lady Caroline Laney); Nate Burger (Matey); Alys Dickerson (Mrs. Purdie/Margaret); Gavin Lawrence (Mr. Dearth);Colleen Madden (Mrs. Dearth); Brian Mani (Mr. Coade); Melisa Pereyra (Joanna Trout); Jim Ridge (Lob); Marcus Truschinski (Mr. Purdie)
Stage Directions: Kelsey Brennan Artistic Associates: Evelyn Matten & Jake Penner
March 22
Elliot, A Soldier's Fugue By Quiara Alegría Hudes Directed by Melisa Pereyra “…a well-crafted, lyrical piece of writing with a good deal of formative interest and a skilled juxtaposition of epic matters with the little stuff that informs our everyday.” – The Chicago Tribune
Elliot, a young soldier, follows in the military footsteps of his father and grandfather before him by going to war in Iraq. When he returns home, injured and questioning everything, Elliot must pierce the bubble of silence around his family’s legacy of service to get to the soul of his family and his heritage. A lyrical exploration of three generations of a Puerto Rican family by Pulitzer Prize winner and Tony Award nominee Quiara Alegría Hudes (In the Heights, Water by the Spoonful).
Featuring Donovan Diaz (Elliot), Wendy Mateo (Ginny), Armando McClain (Pop),Triney Sandoval (Grandpop).
Download the program here.
ELLIOT, A SOLDIER'S FUGUE is presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc., New York.”
Original production produced by Page Seventy-Three Productions Inc.
*With all the unknowns of 2021, this information is subject to change.