In concert with our main stage production of NOISES OFF, the comic masterpiece written by the acclaimed playwright Michael Frayn, Actors Ensemble presents a series of staged readings, featuring other works by the same playwright. On consecutive Tuesday nights starting July 31st we will be presenting THE TWO OF US, BENEFACTORS, and COPENHAGEN.
The award-winning BENEFACTORS was written in the period immediately after NOISES OFF, and features two couples, the idealistic architect David and his wife Jane, and the cynical Colin and his wife Sheila. David is consumed by his projects to improve the housing of the poor, or perhaps his projects to improve the housing of the poor are consuming him. Where does the urge to help come from? Is beneficence a disease? Can it be cured? Directed by the playwright, actor, and director Matthew Surrence, who recently brought a reading of Stoppard's THE REAL THING to the Live Oak Stage. Explore what can be done to help the helpers (self-help-help?) on Tuesday August 7th at 8 p.m. - $5-$10 sliding scale. Cash or check only at the door.
Featuring plays spanning the entire length of Frayn's career, our staged reading series provides a comprehensive picture of Frayn's demonstrated excellence in both highly comic and intensely dramatic works. All performances at the cozy 137-seat Live Oak Theatre in north Berkeley, just down the street from Berkeley's "Gourmet Ghetto". Wheelchair accessible - use the north side entrance.
