NEXTpittsburgh – An enigmatic story of the daughter of a Glaswegian crime boss takes center stage in Quantum Theatre’s inaugural production of 2016. It’s quite fitting that the forward-thinking local company has selected gritty and culturally rich Glasgow, Scotland as the post-industrial setting for its latest ambitious endeavor.
For the exciting U.S. premiere of Scottish playwright David Harrower’s new play, Ciara, Quantum is situating the gripping gangland drama in one of Lawrenceville’s newest arts spaces—the renovated hall at Javo Studios which once hosted choral concerts.
Pittsburgh audiences will be among the first Stateside to see the Fringe First and Herald Angel Award-winning drama—which wowed crowds at Edinburgh’s Fringe Festival and Traverse Theatre—when it runs in the Holmes Street space from January 27th through February 14th. Perfect Valentine’s Day date, perhaps?
Documenting the shifting psychological landscape of Glasgow’s rough streets, Harrower’s complex story is told through the eyes of a mobster’s daughter who has traded a life of crime for a life of art.
Directed by Quantum’s founder and artistic director Karla Boos—winner of the 2015 Carol R. Brown Creative Achievement Award—Ciara reflects the company’s longstanding commitment to artistic collaboration and community engagement. A leading voice in the contemporary international theatre scene, Harrower previously collaborated with Quantum on his debut 1998 play Knives in Hens—which Boos calls her favorite project undertaken by the company.
Mary Rawson, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s 2012 Performer of the Year, stars as Ciara, who runs an art gallery and champions local artists. Scenic designer for the play is celebrated Pittsburgh artist and 2014 Governor’s Award Artist of the Year Bob Qualters, who constructed a vibrant set featuring his original, monumental paintings. Helping to further bring Ciara’s inner psyche to life are animated projections created by Joe Seamans and lighting designed by C. Todd Brown.
Want to go behind-the-scenes? Attend one of Quantum’s special events, including Opening Night with a post-show champagne reception on January 27th; a post-show Q&A with the cast on January 31st; Ladies Night on February 3rd; the Quantum Quaff pre-show wine-tasting on February 4th; and a Quantum-on-the-Couch post-show discussion on February 6th…
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