David Strathairn will play the title role a production of Gotthold Ephraim Lessing's Nathan the Wise at People's Light & Theatre in Malvern, PA. This American premiere of Edward Kemp's translation of the play will run September 16 - October 11.

Lessing's 1779 play is set in 12th century Jerusalem, and focuses on a heroic act by a mysterious Templar that brings together a wealthy Jewish merchant, his love-struck daughter, a sultan and a Christian Patriarch. Kemp's translation premiered at the Chichester Festival Theatre in 2003 and received two subsequent productions - at the Harbourfront Theatre in Toronto and the Hampstead Theatre in England.

Abigail Adams directs a company that features not only stage and screen star Strathairn, but also: Peter DeLaurier, Stephen Novelli, Kathryn Petersen, Roslyn Ruff, Graham Smith, Saige Thompson, John Wernke, and Brian Anthony Wilson. The creative team includes scenic desigener Wilson Chin, costume designer Marla Jurglanis, lighting designer Dennis Parichy, and sound designer Christopher Colucci.

For further information, visit www.peopleslight.org.