Performance Network Theatre Announces FIRESIDE FESTIVAL, 12/5-8

As part of Performance Network's continued dedication to support and provide a voice for new and emerging playwrights, the Fireside Festival of New Works will be held December 5th - 8th. This twice-yearly festival of staged readings, which is to be held at Performance Network Theatre, will feature brand new works by four Michigan playwrights. Each reading will be followed by a post-show discussion with the playwright and director.

The schedule is as follows:

Sunday, December 5, 2010, 8pm
"A Bed Made in Heaven" by Sandra Seaton
In this historical drama, we explore the relationship between Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings. Set in 1801 during Jefferson's first presidency, the play is an imaginative recreation of a complex, vital Sally Hemings who refuses to be identified merely as a mistress and a conflicted Jefferson forced to decide how to deal with a scandal threatening his presidency. Bringing to the stage a story two centuries old whose fascination seems only to grow in the twenty-first century, "A Bed Made in Heaven" raises fundamental questions about American politics and private life. Directed by PNT Artistic Director, David Wolber ("Sonia Flew").

Monday, December 6, 2010, 8pm
"The Powder" by Margaret Edwartowski
Nothing is as it seems in this late Prohibition Era mob drama. Albie is right hand man to Chicago's public enemy number three, Mickey O'Leary. Unfortunately for Albie, his growing feelings for O'Leary's moll, Iris, could ruin everything he's worked for. Directed by Planet Ant Theatre Artistic Director, Inga Wilson.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010
"Fugue" by Audra Lord
A play about memory: How does memory shape identity? In an institutional space, James, Julie, Tina and Princess Stephanie recover from a shared tragic event that resulted in the complete loss of their memories. The play follows their attempts to remember, to forget, and to piece together their shared and individual identities. Directed by Blackbird Theatre Artistic Director, Barton Bund. Featuring Sandra Birch ("It Came From Mars") and Suzi Regan ("The Blonde, the Brunette and the Vengeful Redhead").

Wednesday, December 8, 2010
"By Virtue Fall" by Joseph Zettelmaier ("It Came from Mars")
July, 1360: The Treaty of Brétigny has been signed, and King Edward III of England has ended a long and bloody war. He's invited friends and allies to his castle in Nottingham to celebrate their good fortune. But what Edward doesn't know is that, in the most humble corner of his castle, a murder plot is being hatched. Not all of the King's victims rest on the battlefield. One has been lurking in his home, beneath his gaze, for many years. And tonight, she will set into motion a scheme that may well be the end of both of them.

Tickets are pay-what-you-can (suggested $10) and can be ordered at the Performance Network Box Office at 734-663-0681, online at www.performancenetwork.org or by coming to the Performance Network Theatre (120 East Huron St., Ann Arbor, 48104) Monday-Saturday 11-6 or one hour before a performance.

The Fireside Festival is generously underwritten by Joseph Walters.

Performance Network Theatre is a member of The National New Play Network, an alliance of not-for-profit professional theatres that champions the development, production and continued life of new plays for the American theatre. PNT has been a member since 2001 and is the only Michigan constituent.

Founded in 1981, Performance Network Theatre has grown from a fledgling company to Ann Arbor's only resident, professional theatre. The Network reaches 40,000 theatre patrons and children each year through the year-round Professional Series and The Children's Theatre Network. Performance Network also presents the Fireside Festival of New Works and a series of classes on theatre-related topics. The Network provides uncompromising artistic leadership in the region and produces works that engage, challenge and inspire audiences and artists.