Philip Ridley's Tender Napalm Makes D.C. Premiere at Signature Theatre
(© Carol Rosegg)
Virginia's Signature Theatre will present the Washington, D.C., premiere of British playwright Philip Ridley's Tender Napalm, directed by Matthew Gardiner and running from March 18-May 11 in the 120-seat ARK Theatre.
Tender Napalm debuted in 2011 at London's Southwark Playhouse to critical acclaim. The story explores the love between a man and woman who have just suffered an extraordinary loss. Their journey is described as follows: "Through a series of wild fantasies, Man and Woman encounter combat monkeys, sea serpents, tsunamis and UFOs in an attempt to unravel and define the memories that bond them together and tear them apart." Laura C. Harris and Elan Zafir, both making their Signature Theatre debuts, star as the mourning couple.
"I imagine this play as the headspace between two people who have been in a long relationship," says director Matthew Gardiner. "As if two people who are so close could dream or have a nightmare together. It is the place where they are able to fully speak their minds. Philip Ridley seeks to reinvent the language of love, and the results are stunning."
The creative team features scenic design by Luciana Stecconi, costume design by Laree Lentz, lighting design by Colin K. Bills, and sound design and original compositions by Eric Shimelonis.
