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Oct. 29, 2007

Contacts: Theater Emory, Hunter Hanger, 404-727-9118, hhanger@emory.edu;
Arts at Emory, Jessica Moore, 404-727-1687, jkmoore@emory.edu

Release written by Lauren Simons

Theater Emory Premieres “Slapping Bernard,” a Film Noir Inspired Play

Theater Emory continues its season-long focus on war with “Slapping Bernard,” an original work written and directed by Theater Emory Associate Professor John Ammerman being performed at the Mary Gray Munroe Theater, Dobbs University Center, 605 Asbury Cir., Emory University. Performances will be held at 7 p.m. Nov. 8-10 and Nov. 14-17 with 2 p.m. matinees on Nov. 11 and 18. The Nov. 14 performance is the Pay-What-You-Can-Night (subject to availability; only at the door). Tickets ($18; Discount Category $14; Emory students $6) can be purchased online at www.arts.emory.edu or by calling the Arts at Emory box office at 404-727-5050.

Ammerman wrote the play in the style of black and white film noir. Though he concedes that certain camera angles associated with this style of film cannot be mimicked, he wants to “give a blend of all the stereotypes of film noir while telling a story of resistance in Paris.” This resistance comes in the form of a film company that sends out a covert signal prompting the assassination of a high ranking Reich officer, Reinhard Heydrich, while seemingly producing, according to Ammerman, “kooky little films.” Though set in 1942, its resounding themes of sacrifice, survival and the search for happiness in that survival are both eternal and universal. The cast is composed of professionals, including actors Hugh Adams, Marshall Marden, Glenn Rainey and Preston Goodson, and Emory students. This collaboration between professional and student actors creates a cast that balances the experience needed to develop a thought-provoking production with the vigor of fresh ideas and energy.

“Slapping Bernard” is Ammerman’s second foray into the world of black and white film with Theater Emory. In 2004, Theater Emory produced “Life Goes On,” a play written in the style of silent film. Ammerman explained that “‘Life Goes On’ showed that no word can replace a kiss. No word can replace a comfort, or a surprise, or a death. ‘Slapping Bernard’ is the next step toward attacking the unique black and white style.”

Many of those involved with “Life Goes On” have returned to work on “Slapping Bernard,” including costume designer Marianne Martin who, in lieu of colors, is experimenting with textures and patterns. Set design is by William Moore, who describes the production as “desaturated” as opposed to black and white. He is responsible for transforming the Mary Gray Munroe Theater into a working movie set that will serve as the backdrop for much of the play. The show, according to Judy Zanotti, the sound and lighting designer, has a “cinematic edge” that will be reflected in the soundtrack for the play, which was selected by Ammerman himself. The show also features projections by Robert J. Turner.

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NOTE: Digital photos are available upon request.

THEATER EMORY
Theater Emory is the producing organization of Emory University and is affiliated with the Department of Theater Studies. It is a member of the Atlanta Coalition of Performing Arts and operates under a season agreement with Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers in the United States.

ARTS AT EMORY MISSION
Emory University provides a dynamic, multi-disciplinary environment for the study, creation, and presentation of the arts.

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