Kevin Glaccum Producing Artistic Director
AZUKA THEATRE presents
D utch masters by GREG KELLER Starring BRENDAN DALTON & BRANDON PIERCE Scenic Design MEGHAN JONES
Lighting Design SHELLEY HICKLIN
Costume Design AMANDA SHARP
Sound Design ANDREW NELSON
Dramaturg SARAH OLLOVE
Production Manager MICHAEL KERNS
Production Stage Manager LAUREN TRACY Directed by KEVIN GLACCUM
Philadelphia Premiere!
September 11 – 22, 2013 Azuka Theatre is a 501(c)(3) Not for profit organization DUTCH MASTERS is produced by special arrangement with THE GERSH AGENCY, 41 Madison Avenue, 33rd Floor, New York, NY 10010 DUTCH MASTERS recieved its professional world premiere at Berkshire Theatre Festival, Kate Maguire, Artistic Director, in July 2011.
CAST Steve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Brendan Dalton Eric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Brandon Pierce
There will be no intermission. Please turn OFF all electronic devices prior to the performance. Photography or recording of this production, including cell phones, is strictly prohibited.
Proud member of Off-Broad Street. Celebrating Philadelphia Independent Theater!
Azuka Theatre is a member of the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance (GPCA).
A NOTE FROM THE DIRECTOR As artists we are often faced with asking ourselves tough questions, asking our audiences tough questions, digging deep to find the answers in ourselves and in each other. As I was reading Dutch Masters for the first time I realized I was getting a knot in my stomach. I think anyone who has ridden public transportation in an urban environment might have had the same reaction. Who hasn’t had the experience of being in a subway/bus/rail car with someone who is too loud, too pushy, too in your face? The fact that in this instance the loud individual was an African American male, who constantly drops the ‘N’ word in his diatribe added to this white man’s discomfort. Of course as theater artist I like work that makes me uncomfortable! Those are the kinds of plays that make me sit up and pay attention. I’m forced to question what’s making me anxious and why. We all bring our own experiences to the theater, and those experiences impact the way we see the play. I’m particularly attracted to theater where I feel I may have no connection to the characters at the start of the play, and by the end I feel like we’ve all walked in the same shoes. Dutch Masters provides me with that experience; my pre-conceived notions are upended, my assumptions smashed. This isn’t an easy play: the language is harsh, the situations awkward and frightening. But as actor/playwright Tracy Letts said as he accepted his Tony Award, “We are the ones who say it to their faces”. I think you’ll find that this show does just that.
– Kevin Glaccum
WHO’S WHO Brendan Dalton (Steve) Brendan is thrilled to be back with Azuka this season. He was last seen in Failure: A Love Story. A graduate of the University of the Arts, his credits include: Timon of Athens (Philadelphia Artists’ Collective), Love/Stories (Round Table Theatre Co.), and Charlotte’s Web (Arden, u/s). Brendan is very excited to tell this story with such a wonderful group of artists. Thanks to Kevin and the entire Azuka family. Love and thanks to his family and friends for all their love and support. www.brendan-dalton.com Brandon Pierce (Eric) Brandon is thrilled to be working with Azuka on Dutch Masters. He last appeared on a Philly stage in Charlotte’s Web at the Arden Theatre. Earlier this year he appeared as Valentine in Delaware Shakespeare Festival’s production of Two Gentleman of Verona and in The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey’s educational tour of Romeo and Juliet and The Comedy of Errors. He would like to give thanks to Kevin and the entire staff, crew, as well as Brendan. Much Love to Mom and Dad, and all those that have been there for support over the years. Greg Keller (Playwright) Greg Keller was born and raised in Manhattan and lives in Brooklyn. His plays include Dutch Masters (LAByrinth Theater Company, Berkshire Theatre Festival), Tripolitania (Williamstown Theatre Festival, Foeller Fellowship),The Young Left (Cherry Lane Theatre, Mentor Project), and The Seduction Community(Juilliard). Greg was a Lila Acheson Wallace Playwriting Fellow at The Juilliard School, where he was a two-time recipient of the Lecomte Du Nouy prize. Greg is also an actor, with an MFA from NYU. Acting credits include the world premiere of Belleville (NYTW), Wit (with Cynthia Nixon on Broadway), Seminar (with Jeff Goldblum at The Ahmanson in LA), The Seagull (with Dianne Wiest and Alan Cumming at CSC), and 33 Variations (with Jane Fonda). Kevin Glaccum (Director) Kevin has been a member of Azuka Theatre since he created the role of Guillaume in Azuka’s inaugural production of La Rue des Faux. For Azuka he has directed productions of Pookie Goes Grenading, Everyone and I, Hope Street and Other Lonely Places, Act a Lady, Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom, Nerve, Whisky Neat, Greek Active, Kid Simple, Hedwig and the Angry Inch (Barrymore Nomination; Best Director of a Musical, Philadelphia Weekly), Azuka One-Acts,Four, The Boys andSincerity Forever. Other credits include Say Goodnight, Gracie (Act II Playhouse) Iron Kisses (Philadelphia Gay and Lesbian Theater Festival), The Shoes (Philadelphia Fringe Festival) andThe Rocky Horror Show, Club California and Proof at Arcadia University where he’s also an adjunct professor. Before turning to directing he appeared in Azuka’s productions of Metamorphosis, Friends and An Artist’s Workshop. Kevin is a member of The Lincoln Center Directors Lab and currently serves as Board President for Theatre Philadelphia. Thanks to HP. Meghan Jones (Scenic Designer) Meghan is excited to join the creative team for Dutch Masters. Meghan designs throughout the Philadelphia area.Her recent designs in town include Lantern Theater Co.’s Henry V, Inis Nua’s My Romantic History and Theatre Exile’s The Northplan. Past companies include InterAct Theatre Co., Walnut St. Theater, and People’s Light and Theater Co. Past highlighted designs include Azuka’s Act A Lady,InterAct’s The How and The Why, Inis Nua’s The Walworth Farce, Lantern Theater’s Private Lives, and People Light’s Kidnapped . She is currently Production Manager of Lantern Theater Company. She holds her MFA from Temple University. Most appreciation to Azuka’s staff, cast, and crew for all their support. www.mcjonesdesigns.com Shelley Hicklin (Lighting Designer) Shelley is thrilled to return to the Azuka, where she last designed Pookie Goes Grenading. Recent credits: This Is The Week That Is and Why I’m Scared of Dance (1812 Productions); The Marvelous Wonderettes and The Great American Trailer Park Musical (11th Hour Theatre Company); All My Sons and Blithe Spirit (Delaware Theatre Company); Steelworks and The Striped Hat (BalletX); Ideal Husband (Walnut Street Theatre). Amanda Sharp (Costume Designer) Amanda is excited to be back at Azuka! Previous designs include Failure: A Love Story at Azuka, You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown at Consortium Arts Camp, Club California and The Children’s Hour at Arcadia University for which she received The
Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival Regional Award for excellence in costume design and earned a spot as the National Finalist Alternate for her region. Thank you to Kevin and the Azuka family for the return invitation. She is also most grateful for her support system of family and friends, without whom, she’d be nothing. Andrew Nelson (Sound Designer) Andrew is thrilled to return to Azuka after composing for Nerve and playing bass for Hedwig & The Angry Inch. Other sound designs include Brat Productions’MEANWHILE..., American Philosophical Society’s The Astronomer Collapses. Andrew spent the spring as a programmer/interactive designer on the PIFA Time Tunnel. He can most often be heard playing (mostly) bass for Arden Theatre, Walnut St Theatre, Brat Productions, 1812 Productions, Azuka Theatre, Pig Iron Theatre Company, Shakespeare in Clark Park (2008-2012, composer), Johnny Showcase and the Martha Graham Cracker Cabaret. Recordings include A Passing Wind (PIFA 2011), James Sugg’s The Sea, Johnny Showcase’s album Love is the Message and the George Urgo Blues Band. Upcoming projects: Brat’s Eternal Glamnation (Fringe) and Arden’s Parade (Oct). Avista Custom Theatrical, LLC (Properties) Avista was founded in 2007 as a properties design and construction firm. Avista specializes in custom construction, upholstery, soft goods construction, and also owns a 7,000 square foot rental house in Norristown filled with props and lighting equipment. Avista’s work has been seen at Azuka Theatre, Flashpoint Theatre, Theatre Horizon, Mauckingbird, Act II Playhouse Theatre Exile, Bristol Riverside Theatre, Burlington County College and Drexel University. Avista is in its second season as resident prop team at 1812 Productions and its fifth season at InterAct Theatre. Please visit http://www.avistacustom.com/. Sally Ollove (Dramaturg) Sally is the Resident Dramaturg at Azuka Theatre. She has dramaturged locally for Arden Theatre Company, The Bearded Ladies Cabaret, Gas & Electric Arts, and TheatreExile and nationally at the American Repertory Theatre, Signature Theatre Company in New York, and Untitled Theatre Company #61 among others. Sally also teaches at Rowan University and holds an MFA in Dramaturgy from the MXAT/ART Institute for Advanced Theatre Training at Harvard University. Thanks to Kevin and the Azuka family. Lauren Tracy (Stage Manager) Lauren is thrilled to be returning to Azuka for her fourth season. She has stage managed Everyone and I, Pooking Goes Grenading, Hope Street and Other Lonely Places, Act A Lady, the terrible girls, andNeighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom for Azuka. Other local credits include Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson (Plays & Players), Les Miserables and West Side Story
(Wyoming Seminary’s PAI), A Christmas Carol (Walnut Street Theatre), Glass: Shattered and Hamlet Machine / Medeaplays (Renegade Classic Theatre), and The Winter’s Tale (Delaware Shakespeare Festival). Up next she’ll be working on Marcus for Plays & Players. She also serves at the Production Manager for Plays & Players Theatre and Cheltenham High School. She’s a graduate of Syracuse University’s Stage Management program. Thank you to her friends, family, and Andrew for all of their support. Michael Kerns (Production Manager) This is Michael’s first collaboration with Azuka. Philadelphia credits include Technical Director for Basil Twist’s Petrushka, presented at the Annenberg Center in 2011, Master Carpenter for The Devil and Mr. Punch which debuted at the Neighborhood House as part of the 2011 Philadelphia Live Arts Festival, and most recently Technical Director for Mazeppa Productions’rendition of Avenue Q, also at the Neighborhood house this past July. In addition to these professional credits, for the past two years Michael has been the Production Manager and Managing Director of the Theater Arts Department at Arcadia University where he designed the sets for 7 of their last 8 shows, receiving a certificate of merit from the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival for his design of Garcia Lorca’s, House of Bernarda Alba. Before moving to Philadelphia, Michael lived and worked in NYC as a Set Designer and Technical Director. He had the opportunity to work with the avant-garde theater company, Mabou Mines, and distinguished artists such as Lee Breuer, Julian Crouch and Basil Twist. After a brief stint at The Metropolitan Opera, Michael worked as the Technical Director for Basil’s Puppet Theater company,Tandem Otter Productions. In addition to touring many of Basil’s shows around the world, he helped to create the puppets for the Broadway productions of Addams Family: The Musical and The Pee Wee Herman Show. Michael would like to thank his beautiful wife, Connor, for her constant love, support and thoughtfulness. Josh Campbell (Assistant Director) Joshua is a senior concentrating on playwriting and producing at the University of the Arts. He is excited to be a part of this production with such an amazing cast and creative team! UArts credits include Time Machine: The Lost Hour (Producer), A Free Man of Color (dramaturg), for colored girls….(director), Twilight: Los Angeles 1992 (Director), Anna in the Tropics (Producer). John Bryant (Technical Director) John is proud to be a part of this“subway ride”and working with Azuka again. Local credits include: Technical Director (Azuka Theatre) Failure: A Love Story, Light Designer (11th Hour) Winter Wonderettes, World Goes Round (11th Hour Asst.) and Christmas Carol (Walnut Asst.). He also works full time at Opera Philadelphia as Properties Coordinator and Walnut Street Theater as a Props artisan. Much love to his wife Cara and M&F. Eric Baker (Master Electrician) Eric is a master electrician and lighting designer working in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania. He is a recent graduate of Rider University and his most recent designs were for Quince Production’s Gayfest! with the plays The New Century and Someone Brought Me. He has also previously designed for shows in London and NYC. Eric is also a lighting technician for the South Camden Theatre Company in Camden, NJ. He shamelessly invites you to like his Facebook page Eric Baker Lighting Designer. Lizzy Pecora (Assistant Dramaturg) Lizzy is thrilled to be working on her first production with Azuka! She is a recent graduate of Villanova University where she received her M.A. in Theatre with a focus in dramaturgy. At Villanova, Lizzy dramaturged the U.S. Premiere of Torben Betts’ Muswell Hill (main stage) and Rajiv Joseph’s Gruesome Playground Injuries (student directed). She most recently worked with PlayPenn as the Samuel Fels Intern and the Dramaturg on Peter Gil-Sheridan’s Cockfight. Lizzy earned her B.A. in Theatre from Allegheny College and studied at the American Conservatory Theater. Before coming to Philadelphia, she worked in Pittsburgh as an actor and teaching artist at the Pittsburgh Public Theater and City Theatre. Johanna Austin (Production Photographer) Johanna of AustinArt has had the pleasure of working with Azuka since she fell in love with them and their Nerve (April 2010 production). For 14 years Johanna has been exploring her perceptions of the world through photography. She hones her sense of composition by focusing on the essence of what she sees, and presents it with a fresh eye. Johanna specializes in creating dynamic, vibrant images in low-light atmospheres of performance venues of all kinds. Although she shoots everything, her photography is inspired by a desire to create a still life out of performance art. She thrives on constructing images that would otherwise be forgotten, and often, not even seen at all. With her calm, unobtrusive presence, clients find her to be a joy to work with as she captures the energy and spirit of the moment. Check out her portfolio here: http://www.austinart.org/
PAST SEASONS
Everyone and I (2013)
the terrible girls (2011)
2012-13 NP† Failure: A Love Story by Philip Dawkins *Everyone and I by Elizabeth Scanlon Co-Produced with The Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts *Pookie Goes Grenading by J.C. Lee 2011-12 NP **Hazard County by Allison Moore *Hope Street & Other Lonely Places by Genne Murphy **Act a Lady by Jordan Harrison 2010-11 **Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom by Jennifer Haley *the terrible girls by Jacqueline Goldfinger
Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2008)
2006-07 *Azuka One-Acts by various ‘Twas the Night by Veronica Griego Two Rooms by Lee Blessing Co-Produced with Blue Ridge Theatre Festival 2005-06 *‘Twas the Night by Veronica Griego *The Boys by Kris Elgstrand 2004-05 **Laura’s Bush by Jane Martin **Four by Christopher Shinn 2003-04 *An Artist’s Workshop conceived and created by Alden Moore written by Raelle Myrick-Hodges 2001-02 **Sincerity Forever by Mac Wellman **Friends by Kobo Abe
2009-10 **Nerve by Adam Szymkowicz **The Long Christmas Ride Home by Paula Vogel
2000-01 **Polaroid Stories by Naomi Iizuka
2008-09 **Kid Simple by Jordan Harrison *Whiskey Neat by Bruce Walsh
1999-2000 *Trouble With Bohemia by Raelle Myrick-Hodges Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka adapted by Steven Berkoff
2007-08 *Sweetie Pie by Madi Distefano Hedwig and the Angry Inch by John Cameron Mitchell music & lyrics by Stephen Trask
1999 *La Rue des Faux by Raelle Myrick-Hodges adapted from James Baldwin’s Giovanni’s Room
*World Premiere
**Philadelphia Premiere
†
East Coast Premiere
NP
New Professionals
DRAMATURGICAL NOTES In the midst of President George H.W. Bush’s second term, at the height of the Naughty by Nature’s musical career, in the wake of the Crown Heights and L.A. Riots – Greg Keller’s Dutch Masters welcomes us back into the summer of 1992. A year and half earlier the 106th mayor of New York City was sworn into office. David N. Dinkins was the first African-American to hold this title and appeared to be a beacon of hope for racial progress, combating poverty, and seeking class justice. However, the headlines published over his term seem to challenge this optimism. Keller depicts this reality by showing two New York youths experiencing not the progress of a new city, but rather the affects of recent racially charged riots, polarized cultures, and the overwhelming separation of classes. In the time between Dinkins’s inaugural ceremony and Dutch Masters, it is evident that what he set out to combat in his time as mayor was a deeply rooted problem that could not be solved by an impassioned speech. Below are a few passages from Dinkins’s inaugural speech. “…I stand here before “Police Brace for Protest In Brooklyn” you today as the elected – The New York Times, 1991 leader of the greatest city of a great nation, to which my ancestors were brought, chained and whipped in the hold of a slave ship. We have not finished the journey toward liberty and justice. But surely we have come a long way. This day is not a tribute to me; it is a tribute to you, the people of New York. I see New York as a gorgeous mosaic of race and religious faith, of national origin and sexual orientation, of individuals whose families arrived yesterday and generations ago, coming through Ellis Island or Kennedy Airport or on buses bound for the Port Authority. In that spirit, I offer this fundamental pledge: I intend to be the mayor of all the people of New York. This administration will seek an inclusive prosperity, not “From Coast to Coast, Cities Are Struggling one that leaves too many lost to Control a Swell of Violence” amidst the wealth and grandeur - The New York Times, 1992 that surrounds us… [Finally,] I dedicate the Dinkins administration to the children of New York. And the measure of whether I fulfill my mandate will be how we treat those who start out in life during my tenure at “The Real Story Goes Beyond Black and White” – L.A. Times, 1992! City Hall. No matter how rich ! and powerful we become, we cannot be satisfied when so many children experience the sunset of opportunity at the very dawn of their existence. For the children of this city are voices of hope, singing out the sweet songs of the future amidst the discord of daily life.” Indeed, Dinkins signified the hope for a new New York City. Yet, Greg Keller’s Dutch Masters seems to have taken its cue from the headlines of the time, depicting the authentic New York City of 1992.! “Can we all get along?” - Rodney King, 1992
STAFF & CREDITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2013-2014 Tamanya Garza – President Natalie Diener – Vice-President Andrea Sheaffer – Treasurer Roz DeKett – Secretary Mark H. Andrews Heather Evans Jason Evans David Fedor Kevin Glaccum Lee Porter
PRODUCTION CREW & CREDITS Assistant Director Josh Campbell Assistant Dramaturg Lizzy Pecora Technical Director John Bryant Master Electrician Eric Baker
AZUKA THEATRE STAFF Producing Artistic Director Kevin Glaccum
Master Carpenter Joe Flores
Director of Marketing Mark H. Andrews
Carpenters David DiMarco Trevor Foehl
Artistic Associate Allison Heishman
Scenic Painter Brooke Murray
Artistic Associate Jennifer MacMillan
Photo Credits Alexander Heishman
Production Manager Mike Troncone
Graphic Design Mark H. Andrews & Derek Carnegie
Playwright in Residence Jacqueline Goldfinger
IT, Website Design & Maintenance Andrew Nelson
Resident Dramaturg Sally Ollove
Printing Quaker Printing
PR Coordinator Carrie Gorn, Perpetual Motion PR
AZUKA THEATRE
Administrative Intern Greg Nanni
1636 Sansom Street Philadelphia, PA 19103 215.563.1100 AzukaTheatre.org
SUPPORT FOUNDATION SUPPORT William Penn Foundation The Wyncote Foundation The Lida Foundation Virginia and Harvey Kimmel Arts Education Fund CHG Foundation Independence Foundation June & Steve Wolfson Family Foundation Philadelphia Cultural Fund
PRODUCERS CIRCLE Honorary Producer Annie and Ken Goldenberg Executive Producer Dr. & Mrs. Joel Porter Producer Harmelin Media Louis Bluver Dan & Christiane Geisler Karen & David Jones Anne O’Donnell Patrick & Robin Tracy Associate Producer Roz DeKett Michael Norris
INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT Dreamer ($1000 - $2499) Mark Andrews & Derek Carnegie David Fedor Matthew & Marie Garfield Kevin Glaccum Bob & Sue Ann Marburg Optimist ($500 - $999) Chris Colucci David Fedor Ken & Annie Goldenberg Andrea Sheaffer Marilyn Steinbright Idealist ($100 - $499) Mary Anne & Robert Andrews Patrick Bell
Jane Biberman Martin Bodtmann Thomas Carragher Phyliss Cohen Joseph & Helene Dees Natalie Diener & Michael Cosenza Heather Evans Andrew Fatek & Andrea Levin Jill & Michael Feighan Dan Gannon Greg Gephart Bryan & Kathy Glaccum Maureen Glaccum & David Speers Stephen & Pamela Heishman Betsy & Ted Hershberg Steve & Jane Heumann E. Ashley Izard Kate & John Kerrigan Josephine Klein Tom Korman & Ann Kirschner Robert Mandel Noris Weiss Malvey Walter A. McCann Susan Mock Brian Moore Ellen Mulroney Clifford Pearlman Dan Perelstein Kathryn Petersen Joel & Roberta Porter Lee Porter Dito van Reigersberg Alice Richardson Kevin Riordan Mari Shaw Noreen & Eric Tarr Ed & Lynn Tettemer Kanani Tichen & Louis Seitchik John Tobin Lee Cooper Van de Velde Florence Vanembden Peter Wool Blanka Zizka Anonymous Realist (up to $99) Judy Adamson & Fred Jackes Ralph Andracchio & Daniel Kelly Todd Armstrong Larry Biren Gail Bourguignon Tony Braithwaite
Tina Brock Timothy P. Carey Pearl Carpel Marie Conti Daniel Cheever Christopher & Peggy Cline Stephen Cribb Charles Devlin Joseph Distanislao Melanie Einbund Quinn Eli Heather Evans Jason Evans Tony & Sue Faillace Molly Frantz Pat & Narinder Garg Amber Gaynor Grace Gonglewski Carrie Gorn Gene Gualtieri Terry & Paul Guerin Chris Hallenback & Lauren Bieber Frederick D. Jackes Michael & Eva Leeds Joann & Michael Kean Andrea Kocerha Tom & Ann Korman Stephen Mandato Jean Markovitz Francis R. & Peter Matherly Jay May Jr. Christopher McCarrick Antonio Muniz Judie Nodler Sara Pilling Peter Reynolds Tom Shotkin Richard St. Clair Robert Weinberg Stephen Woosley Askold Zagars & Marie Feehan Anthony Zalis (List complete as of September 4, 2013) Azuka Theatre thanks all of our donors for their continued support of the work we do. If you have questions about supporting Azuka, please call Kevin Glaccum at 215.563.1100
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