NEVA World Premiere and More Set for South Coast Rep's Studio SCR Series, Dec 2012-June 2013

South Coast Repertory, in partnership with six Southland theatre groups, will present Studio SCR, a series of eclectic, Contemporary Theatre productions at SCR in December, February, May and June.

The season will include the regional English-language premiere of Neva in a first-of-its-kind partnership between SCR, Center Theatre Group and La Jolla Playhouse.

“SCR and its audience are passionate about theatre,” said Artistic Director Marc Masterson. “Through Studio SCR, we have the chance to discover an even broader range of theatre styles and expand our connection to some of the most interesting theatre makers in the region. This is a series for those who value adventure and discovery.”

Since its founding in 2010, Studio SCR has presented a growing number of Southland theatre groups.

“I go to see the work of these small-to-mid-sized theatre groups, fall in love with what they do, and then work to identify partnership opportunities,” said Oanh Nguyen, SCR associate producer, “It all reinforces SCR’s mission to advance the art of theatre and supports what these emerging and innovative theatre companies are doing locally.”

He added that smaller regional theatre groups have much to offer. “We can learn a lot from working with these younger arts organizations: What excites them? What inspires their work? How are they choosing to get their message across? Who's listening? It’s also exciting to see how they incorporate multi-media and multi-disciplinary work into their storytelling.”

The season will unfold in SCR’s intimate 94-seat Nicholas Stage.

The 2012-13 offerings include:

Dec. 6-10: Ameryka, presented by Critical Mass Performance Group, looks at freedom and democracy through intertwining stories that link the United States and Poland across time. Ameryka’s stories unfold in the late 18th century, the 1950s-60s, 1980s, and post-Sept. 11. Performance dates: Dec. 6 at 7 p.m.; Dec. 7 at 8 p.m.; Dec. 8 at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.; and Dec. 9 at 3 p.m.

Feb. 14-17: Songs of Bilitis, presented by Rogue Artists Ensemble, follows Pierre Louys, who fabricates the persona of a Greek courtesan and author named Bilitis and her world. Eventually, he gets lost in the fantasy he has created. Playwright: Sean T. Cawelti. Performance dates: Feb. 14 at 7 p.m.; Feb. 15 at 8 p.m.; Feb. 16 at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.; and Feb. 17 at 3 p.m.

Feb. 21-24: Track 3, presented by Theatre Movement Bazaar, is a contemporary take on Anton Chekov’s classic, Three Sisters, told through dance, movement, song and humor. The characters think they’re headed to Moscow, but the real trek is one of personal discovery. Performance dates: Feb. 21 at 7 p.m.; Feb. 22 at 8 p.m.; Feb. 23 at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.; and Feb. 24 at 3 p.m.

May 2-5: Lost Moon Radio: America, presented by Lost Moon Radio, crosses Monty Python’s Flying Circus with “A Prairie Home Companion.” The comedy follows disc jockey Jupiter Jack and his spin down memory lane, of both his career and the changing state of the nation. As he spins records, each track becomes a sketch or song performed live onstage by actors and a band. Performance dates: May 2 at 7 p.m.; May 3 at 8 p.m.; May 4 at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.; and May 5 at 3 p.m.

June 6-9: Eternal Thou, presented by Matthew McCray, follows five characters who ride through Internet conduits to find a way to rewrite its central code and protect it from harm. Playwright: Matthew McCray. Performance dates: June 6 at 7 p.m.; June 7 at 8 p.m.; June 8 at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.; and June 9 at 3 p.m.

June 19-23: Neva, presented by Robert Cucuzza and Transit Authority and co-produced with Center Theatre Group and La Jolla Playhouse, follows actress Olga Knipper, the widow of Anton Chekhov, as she arrives in a St. Petersburg rehearsal room in the winter of 1905. While revolution rings outside and protestors are gunned down, she and two others act out scenes from their lives and reflect their art form. Playwright: Guillermo Calderón. Performance dates: June 19 at 7 p.m.; June 20 and June 21b at 8 p.m.; June 22 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; and June 23 at 2 p.m.

“If I had to pick one word to describe Studio SCR, it would be ‘ambitious,’” said Paula Tomei, SCR managing director. "In the spirit of innovation and experimentation, these companies are striving to do much more than is expected and sometimes with much less than should be possible. We find their work invigorating."

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