History Lit brings 3 plays to Pasadena May 11-20

Unbound Productions Co-Artistic Directors Jonathan Josephson, Paul Millet, and Jeff G. Rack have announced a new project in the same vein of the popular Wicked Lit theatre series – HISTORY LIT (May 11-20, 2012). Whereas Wicked Lit focused on the creation and production of new works of theatre inspired by classic horror stories, HISTORY LIT will present stage adaptations of literature that reflect history in creative ways.

“The Mission for History Lit is intentionally open-ended,” said Rack. “We want to be able to reinvent this project each year with a new theme that will excite us as writers and producers and also stay fresh for our audiences.”

For 2012, HISTORY LIT will be produced in conjunction with Pasadena Museum of History and feature a series of theatrical adaptations based on the works by some of the greatest women writers of the 19th and 20th centuries – Harriet Beecher Stowe, Charlotte Perkins Gilman, and Katherine Mansfield. These short plays will be presented throughout the Museum complex, including the Estate Gardens, Curtin House and inside historic Fenyes Mansion, which is opening briefly to the public for the first time since beginning a series of extensive repairs and upgrades in 2010.

Said Millet, “After two years of planning, we are thrilled to be able to present the inaugural History Lit production in Pasadena, with an incredible and enthusiastic partner.” PMH Executive Director Jeannette O’Malley said, “History Lit shines a spotlight on Pasadena Museum of History’s historic Mansion and grounds in a fresh and exciting approach that combines our cultural heritage with classic literature and engaging theatre.”

The three plays featured in HISTORY LIT 2012 include:

The Garden Party, by Jonathan Josephson, directed by Jeff G. Rack
Adapted from the short story of the same name by Katherine Mansfield

Two Pictures in One, by Paul Millet, directed by Jonathan Josephson
Adapted from “The Two Altars: Or Two Pictures in One” by Harriet Beecher Stowe

The Yellow Wallpaper, by Jeff G. Rack, directed by Paul Millet
Adapted from the short story of the same name by Charlotte Perkins Gilman

HISTORY LIT audiences will experience all three short plays as they are led through the Museum gardens and mansion. This is a walking show – patrons must be able to comfortably walk a minimum of 1,000 paces and climb stairs in order to experience these productions. Visit historylit.org for complete pricing and scheduling details. HISTORY LIT is also on Facebook.

THE PLAYS

The Garden Party
By Jonathan Josephson
Directed by Jeff G. Rack
Adapted from the short story of the same name by Katherine Mansfield

It is an ideal night for a party at the Sheridan estate and young Laura has had the time of her life playing hostess to a throng of party guests. But when an unexpected accident befalls a stranger who lives down the road, Laura's congenial life may be changed forever.


Two Pictures in One
By Paul Millet
Directed by Jonathan Josephson
Adapted from the short story “The Two Altars: Or Two Pictures in One” by Harriet Beecher Stowe

A simultaneous chronicle of the lives and fates of two early Massachusetts families: the Wards, an 18th Century Anglo family living during the early days of the American Revolution and the Caffeys, a 19th Century African-American family living ten years prior to the Civil War. By juxtaposing these two points in time, Two Pictures in One examines ideas of freedom and personal consequences.


The Yellow Wallpaper
By Jeff G. Rack
Directed by Paul Millet
Adapted from the short story of the same name by Charlotte Perkins Gilman

An affluent woman is confined to her room for bedrest under doctor's orders. Her treatment leads her to start seeing things in the ornate yellow wallpaper which dominates her bedroom, and forces her to deal with her inner and outer demons.

Charlotte Perkins Gilman was residing in Pasadena when she wrote this classic story which deals with depression and female oppression in the late 1800s.


VENUE AND TICKETS:

May 11-20, 2012
(dark on Monday, May 14)
9 performances only
All shows will start promptly at 8:00 p.m.

All performances take place at Pasadena Museum of History:
470 W. Walnut St.
Pasadena, CA 91103

Tickets range from $39-55
Visit www.historylit.org for complete pricing and scheduling details.
There are fees for select food items.
Visit www.pasadenahistory.org for parking information.