Southampton Arts Center Presents a Star-Studded Staged Reading of "Dear Elizabeth" by Sara Ruhl
SOUTHAMPTON, NY, June 15, 2023 - Southampton Art Center (SAC) is thrilled to collaborate with esteemed producer Josh Gladstone in presenting a staged reading of "Dear Elizabeth" by Pulitzer Prize-nominated playwright Sara Ruhl. The reading, scheduled for July 2, 2023 at 7pm, will star the celebrated talents of Academy Award-winner Mercedes Ruehl, Emmy-nominee Harris Yulin, and Julia Motyka.
"Dear Elizabeth" explores the intricacies of the correspondence between eminent 20th-century poets Elizabeth Bishop and Robert Lowell. Drawing on their expansive collection of letters, "Reading Words in Air: The Complete Correspondence Between Elizabeth Bishop and Robert Lowell," Ruhl's play is a nuanced portrayal of their relationship, covering their first meeting, an abbreviated affair, and the various struggles they navigated in their personal lives.
"We are thrilled to have actors of such high caliber bringing this profound piece to life," said SAC executive director, Christina Mossaides Strassfield. "Mercedes Ruehl, Harris Yulin, and Julia Motyka bring a depth of talent and sensitivity that will undoubtedly illuminate the subtleties of Bishop and Lowell's relationship."
"Dear Elizabeth" originally premiered at the Yale Repertory Theatre in New Haven, CT in November 2012 under the direction of Les Waters. Now, under the expert guidance of SAC and Josh Gladstone are proud to present this compelling story to the Southampton community.
"I am absolutely delighted to have the opportunity to produce 'Dear Elizabeth' at Southampton Arts Center. It's a remarkable play that captures the beauty and complexity of human connection through the eloquence of Elizabeth Bishop and Robert Lowell's correspondence.” said Josh Gladstone, the show’s producer. “I couldn't be more thrilled to share this heartfelt journey with the audience. Together, we will embark on an exploration of love, art, and the power of words, creating an experience that will resonate long after the final curtain falls."
Tickets for this one-of-a-kind staged reading begin at $35 for SAC Members and can be purchased through SAC's website. The Southampton Art Center extends a warm thank you to the sponsors, patrons, and community members who continue to support its mission of bringing diverse and inspiring artistic events to Southampton.
We invite you to join us for this remarkable evening, as we celebrate the timeless beauty of friendship, creativity, and the power of written words.
About Southampton Arts Center:
Southampton Arts Center is committed to community building through the arts. We present and produce inspiring, inclusive, socially and regionally relevant programs across all disciplines – welcoming, connecting, and collaborating with the diverse members of New York’s East End community and beyond. SAC is a not for profit 501(c)(3) organization.
For more information about Southampton Arts Center, located at 25 Jobs Lane, Southampton, New York 11968, visit southamptonartscenter.org or call 631.283.0967. Follow SAC on Facebook and Instagram @southamptonartscenter. For press inquiries, contact Paul A. Johnson via email at pjohnson@southmaptonarts.org or by phone at 323.376.2733.
About Sara Ruhl
Sarah Ruhl’s plays include In the Next Room, or the vibrator play, The Clean House, Passion Play, Dead Man’s Cell Phone, Melancholy Play, For Peter Pan on her 70th Birthday, The Oldest Boy, Stage Kiss, Dear Elizabeth, Eurydice, How to Transcend a Happy Marriage, Orlando, Late: a cowboy song, and a translation of Three Sisters. She has been a two-time Pulitzer prize finalist and a Tony award nominee. Her plays have been produced on and off Broadway, around the country, and internationally, where they have been translated into over fifteen languages.
Originally from Chicago, Ms. Ruhl received her M.F.A. from Brown University, where she studied with Paula Vogel. She has received the Steinberg Award, the Samuel French Award, the Susan Smith Blackburn Award, the Whiting Award, the Lily Award, a PEN Award for mid-career playwrights, and the MacArthur Award. You can read more about her work on www.SarahRuhlplaywright.com. Her new book 100 Essays I Don’t Have Time to Write was a New York Times notable book of the year, and she most recently published Letters from Max with Max Ritvo. She teaches at the Yale School of Drama, and she lives in Brooklyn with her family.
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