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Contact info:
PR Contact: Judy Walker
judy@mumpuppet.org
215.925.8686
Cell 856.693.4407
For Immediate Release
January 9, 2008
Hi res graphics available
Mum Puppettheatre presents a Bulgakov classic
The Master and Margarita
Philadelphia, PA -- Mum Puppettheatre is proud to present The Master and
Margarita, based on one of the most beloved novels of the 20th century. Written
by Mikhail Bulgakov, The Master and Margarita is directed by Adrienne Mackey,
who adapted the play from the translation by Diana Burgin and Katherine Tiernan
O’Connor. The performance features Robert DaPonte and Robert Smythe, Mum’s
founding Artistic Director. This show marks Smythe’s return to the stage as a
performer for the first time in 3 years. The Master and Margarita opens on
February 13 and runs through February 23, 2008.
The Master and Margarita tells three fully realized stories -- an amazing love
story, a compellingly poignant tragedy, and a comedy – which all come together
seamlessly. Featuring the devil himself, an artist and his beloved, and Jesus
and Pontius Pilate, the play is an emotional tour de force, providing the sort
of visceral experience for which today’s audiences are hungry.
“Bulgakov’s rich novel was made for the stage-- it begs to be read out loud,”
explained Adrienne Mackey, director. “What attracts me to this story are the
rich themes of good and evil, and the powerful human need to believe in
something bigger than oneself. The story is adapted with a Western audience in
mind, and so I chose not dwell on the specifics of early 20th century life in
Soviet society depicted in the novel, but rather focused on the rich emotional
expression that is at the story’s core.”
“The Master and Margarita is replete with the imagery of light and dark as
metaphor for good and evil,” said Lisa Shelby, Mum Puppettheatre’s managing
director. “The story asks the intriguing question that is critical for our time
today: how far are we willing to go to remove any trace of the dark? Are we
willing to remove any trace of shadow and shades of grey so that we’re left with
only brilliant light?”
The puppets designed by Martina Plag are integral to the evocative and humorous
storytelling. “Puppetry is natural in a story with so many metaphors,” noted
Mackey. “When puppetry is used to tell a story, the audience is able to suspend
disbelief and experience the story on a gut level.” Some of the characters are
portrayed by humans, and the live actors in The Master and Margarita are always
visible. As with all of Mum’s best work, audience members will quickly adjust to
the fact that some characters are indeed portrayed by objects.
Adrienne Mackey created and directed The Ballad of Joe Hill at Eastern State
Penitentiary, Echo (Tribe of Fools) 2007 Philadelphia Fringe Festival and
Recitatif, Philadelphia Live Arts Festival 2007. Her work has also been produced
at the Berkshire Fringe Festival. Mackey was awarded the 2006-2007 Philadelphia
Community Education Center's New Edge Residency in Theater and was named an
Independence Foundation Fellow for 2008.
WHAT:
The Master and Margarita
Adapted by Adrienne Mackey from the novel by Mikhail Bulgakov as translated by
Diana Burgin and Katherine Tiernan O’Connor.
Directed by Adrienne Mackey
SUMMARY:
Three stories passionately explore the nature of good and evil as the devil
himself arrives in Moscow with his entourage.
WHERE:
Mum Puppettheatre
115 Arch Street, Old City Philadelphia, 08071
WHEN:
February 13 - 23, 2008
Preview/dress rehearsal performances: February 8-12, 2008
Opening night: 7pm Wednesday, February 13, 2008
TICKETS:
$25-$35
Group discounts available for 10+.
Student Rush tickets at the door 10 minutes before curtain for $10 cash, pending
availability (must present valid student ID).
Call the Box
Office at 215.925.7686 or visit us online at www.mumpuppet.org for more
information.
PRESS:
Reviewing members of the press are invited to attend the opening night
performance on Wednesday, February 13 at 7pm.
Contact Judy Walker at judy@mumpuppet.org or 856.693.4407 (cell) to arrange.
CAST:
Robert DaPonte (resident of Philadelphia)
Robert Smythe (resident of Swarthmore, PA)
CREW:
Adrienne Mackey - Director
Stephen Hungerford - Set Design
Martina Plag – Puppet Design
Shon Causer – Lighting Design
Susan Smythe - Costume Design
Adrienne Mackey - Sound Design
Jonny Wray – Sound Engineer
Jamie Lynne Simons - Stage Manager
Tim Martin – Production Manager
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Mum Puppettheatre is a regional theatre devoted to
enhancing live theatre through the art of puppetry. For over 20 years, Mum has
entertained Philadelphia audiences of all ages with the intersection of human
actors and puppetry arts.
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