Theater Barn Playwright Group

Will Launch With Albee Work

RIDGEFIELD — The Ridgefield Theater Barn is inaugurating a discussion group designed to increase the enjoyment of  its audiences by offering an intimate portrait of some of the most creative minds in theater. Modern American Playwrights will offer a casual evening spent exploring an aspect of theater that is certain to  add a unique perspective to an audience’s theater experience.

The first offering in what is hoped will become a series of discussions, “An Evening with Edward Albee,” will be on Wednesday, November 19, at 7:30 pm.

Often described as the greatest living American playwright, Albee is the winner of three Pulitzer Prizes and a Tony Award for Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? He recently celebrated his 80th birthday and his many honors include a Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement.

The 90-minute program will begin with a brief biography of the playwright, as personal background is always reflected in the author’s work. Key attributes of the plays will be considered, followed by actors reading a short play that exemplifies those attributes.

A moderator will guide the group in a discussion, which will include the actors who participated in the play reading, emphasizing how personal history, philosophy and methodology of the playwright have influenced his work.

Refreshments will be offered during the discussion and a bibliography will be provided for further reading.

A donation of $5 per person is requested to cover materials and refreshments. In preparation for the discussion, it is suggested that participants read Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

Seating is limited. Those interested in participating are asked to register at RidgefieldTheaterBarn.org using the online form, send their contact information via email to TheaterBarn@snet.net, or leave a message at 203-431-9850.