Sound Theatre Company to Kick Off 2019 Season with CITIZEN: An American Lyric

"I am drawn to this play because I believe in doing the kind of work that seeps into the psyche and uproots the ignorance that festers there. I am interested in the root of things - and once I get there, I gut the soil of as many poisoned seeds as possible. I have a cast of fiercely brave artists who are ready to irritate and castigate as we navigate Claudia Rankine's words together." - CITIZEN director Jay O'Leary

Sound Theatre continues to prioritize the diversity of the human experience. This season, titled UN-ERASABLE: From the Eyes of the Watched, is no exception. Associate Artistic Director Jay O'Leary will direct season opener CITIZEN: An American Lyric by Claudia Rankine, adapted for stage by Stephen Sachs.

In 2019, Sound Theatre Company is deepening their focus on the theme of erasure and, in the words of Rankine, "Hypervisible Invisibility"- being simultaneously policed while being ignored as a human. Sound Theatre Company is proud to partner again withThe Hansberry Project to celebrate, support, and present the work of black theatre artists.

Citizen: An American Lyric
By Claudia Rankine
Adapted for the Stage by Stephen Sachs
Co-Production with The Hansberry Project
Directed by Jay O'Leary
July 11 - 28, Center Theatre | Seattle Premiere

Drawn directly from poet Claudia Rankine's award-winning book, CITIZEN: An American Lyric is a searing, multi-media poetic riff on race in America. Fusing prose, poetry, movement, music, video and newsreels, an ensemble of six actors create snapshots, vignettes, and stories reflecting acts of everyday racism.

Sound Theatre continues practicing Radical Hospitality with optional tiered-ticket pricing and accessible performances. We ask audiences to actively engage in their own commitment to the cultural conversations of our day. That includes considering the many barriers limiting diverse communities' participation in the arts: physical, cultural and economic.

Tickets are priced at $25 (General), $50 (Patron Rate), $75 (Benefactor Rate) or the Inclusion Rate ($5).

CAST
CITIZEN ONE: Shermona Mitchell
CITIZEN TWO: Allyson Lee Brown
CITIZEN THREE: Naa Akua
CITIZEN FOUR: Nicholas Japaul Bernard
CITIZEN FIVE: Rebecca Cort
CITIZEN SIX: Richard Sean Glen

ARTISTIC TEAM
Director: Jay O'Leary
Scenic Design: Lex Marcos
Costume Design: Ricky German
Sound Design: Maggie Rogers
Lighting Design: Richard Schaefer
Asst. Lighting Design: Malie Fujii
Projection Design: Tristan Roberson
Production Manager: Madison Silva
Stage Manager: Sarah Ross

Sound Theatre is expanding accessibility and ability-inclusive practices such as ASL Interpretation, CART/Open Captioning, Braille transcription, large print materials, audio description, Sensory Friendly performances, tactile tours, and front row flexible seating to accommodate patrons who have mobility-related concerns.

"This play is only important if your willingness to dismantle white supremacy is as deeply-seeded as your willingness to remain invisible and unaffected," said O' Leary. "Tell your privilege to take several seats, and choose to stand with us this summer."