Fertile Imagination: the World Premiere of States of Grace

The protagonist of States of Grace is Faith – a writer working through the night in a small kitchen in the middle of a big city. Faith is trying to write about Happiness – but how is Happiness possible, truly, when “…everywhere vast public suffering rises in reeling waves from the round earth’s nation states? It’s all there. Look up and the news of halfway round the planet is falling on us all.” Faith is visited by characters from both her fiction and her life who emerge from drawers, cupboards and broom closets to cajole, advise, and somehow curb her crisis of faith – until the dawn, when a child enters the night kitchen.

States of Grace is dedicated to Grace Paley, winner of many awards for her fiction, poetry, and social activism (including a recent Risktakers award she received with playwright Tony Kushner). The play grew out of a concept created by URT Artistic Director Debra Wise and puppet-theater artist and composer, Larry Siegel. URT is delighted to be working with artists who have created so many wonderful URT productions: Director Greg Smucker (Alice Underground and How Do You Spell Hope?), URT Resident Designer David Fichter, Puppet-Master / Technical Director Will Cabell (Alice, Hope, Tempest), Lighting Designer Karen Perlow (Alice), Composer Evan Harlan (Alice, Public Art ACTS), and Costume Designer Heidi Hermiller (creator of the wonderful costumes that stole the show in last season’s theatrical tour: Power of Conversation – Jewish Women and their Salons). We are joined by puppeteer, Faye Dupras, an accomplished theater artist new to our community.

In the spirit of Paley’s work, we are celebrating community by offering deep ticket discounts to groups, as well as promoting the work of organizations they care about. For more information on tickets and special ticket discounts (best benefits available if tickets are booked by Dec. 22!),contact:
info@undergroundrailwaytheater.org
(781) 643-6916