Press Room
THEATER OF THE FIRST AMENDMENT "CAN'T SCARE ME, THE STORY OF MOTHER JONES" AT ATLAS CENTER IN DC
For general information about tickets, seating, parking, etc., please contact the ticket office directly at 703-993-2787.
Theater of the First Amendment,
George Mason University’s professional theater company-in-residence,
is pleased to announce the world premiere of
“Can’t Scare Me, the story of Mother Jones,”
written and performed by OBIE Award-winning actress, Kaiulani Lee
Oct. 14-30, 2011
Atlas Performing Arts Center, Sprenger Theatre, Washington, D.C.
FAIRFAX, Va., Sept. 9, 2011 – Heather McDonald and Rick Davis, co-artistic directors of Theater of the First Amendment (TFA), George Mason University’s professional theater company-in-residence, announce TFA’s presentation of the world premiere of Kaiulani Lee’s one-woman play, “Can’t Scare Me, the story of Mother Jones,” at the Atlas Performing Arts Center in Washington, D.C.
“Can’t Scare Me, the story of Mother Jones” will be performed in the Atlas Performing Arts Center’s Sprenger Theatre in Washington, D.C. from Oct. 14-30, 2011. The Atlas Performing Arts Center is located in the heart of Washington, D.C. on the newly renovated H Street NE corridor.
“Mark Twain says that history doesn't repeat itself, but it does rhyme,” according to Mother Jones, as brought to life by OBIE Award winner Kaiulani Lee in this brave new work about the formative days of the American labor movement. Called “the most dangerous woman in America,” Mother Jones “educated, agitated and organized” on behalf of child laborers, coal miners, steel workers and all working people. Through an artful blend of history, biography and a liberal dose of Mother Jones’ famous wit, “Can't Scare Me” brings out some urgent “rhymes” of yesterday and today in a riveting, passionate and fiery solo performance.
Kaiulani Lee has worked in theater, film and television for more than 35 years, starring in more than a dozen plays on and off-Broadway. She has been nominated for the Drama Desk Award on Broadway and has won the OBIE Award for outstanding achievement off-Broadway. Her television work includes guest performances on “Law & Order,” “The Equalizer,” “Tales from the Dark Side” and “The Waltons.” She also starred as Martha Ballard in the PBS film “A Midwife’s Tale.” Lee has received an honorary doctorate from Bowdoin College for her contribution to and excellence in the performing arts. Lee has been touring the United States for more than 10 years with “A Sense of Wonder,” her one-woman show about writer and environmentalist Rachel Carson.
Directed by Rick Davis, TFA’s co-artistic director, “Can’t Scare Me, the story of Mother Jones” will bring together a creative design team including set design by Luciana Stecconi, costume design by Howard Vincent Kurtz, lighting design by Timothy Chew and a sound design by Mark Anduss. David Elias will serve as stage manager.
Theater of the First Amendment works with the region’s best professional theater artists and Mason students and graduates to present compelling new works and adaptations.
This production is supported in part by generous contributions from the Arts Council of Fairfax County.
Please Note: Theater of the First Amendment’s production of “Can’t Scare Me, the story of Mother Jones” will also be performed at TheaterSpace on George Mason University’s Fairfax Campus on Feb. 17, 2012.
TICKETS
Tickets: Online: www.atlasarts.org
Phone: (202) 399-7993
In Person: Atlas Box Office
1333 H Street NE
Washington, DC 20002
Open: Tuesday through Saturday, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Theater of the First Amendment
Theater of the First Amendment is the professional theater company of Theater at Mason, working alongside George Mason University’s Department of Theater and the Mason Players to create a full spectrum of theatrical production and educational opportunity. TFA’s distinctive mission is to discover, develop and launch new, thought-provoking plays, and serve as an artistic home to the next generation of playwrights. Since 1990, TFA has produced 44 full productions and numerous staged readings of new work. Our productions have been honored with 12 Helen Hayes Awards and 37 nominations. Many plays originating at TFA have been published, produced nationally and internationally, televised and broadcast, or recorded as award-winning original soundtracks.
TFA is a union theater, working under contract with Actors’ Equity Association, part of AFL-CIO.
The Atlas Performing Arts Center
The Atlas is a multi-disciplinary performing arts center located in a historic movie theatre complex on H Street, NE in Washington, D.C. The Atlas provides artists the opportunity to perform in a collaborative and supportive environment, connect with the revitalizing H Street, NE community and reach new diverse audiences. It presents quality performances including dance, theatre, music and spoken word and supports the local artistic community by promoting established artists and showcasing emerging talent while providing educational opportunities in performance and stagecraft.
About George Mason University
George Mason University is an innovative, entrepreneurial institution with global distinction in a range of academic fields. Located in Northern Virginia near Washington, D.C., Mason provides students access to diverse cultural experiences and the most sought-after internships and employers in the country. Mason offers strong undergraduate and graduate degree programs in engineering and information technology, organizational psychology, health care and visual and performing arts. With Mason professors conducting groundbreaking research in areas such as climate change, public policy and the biosciences, George Mason University is a leading example of the modern, public university. George Mason University – Where Innovation Is Tradition.