My Name is Asher Lev
By Aaron Posner
Directed by Aaron Posner
originally produced at Arden Theatre, Philadelphia, PA.
January 8,2009 through March 15, 2009
About the Premiere Production: Over the past twenty years, literary adaptations have been a cornerstone or our work at the Arden. Thus, I am thrilled that Aaron’s adaptation of My Name is Asher Lev will be the first play commissioned by the Arden that we will produce.
Aaron has created a remarkable body of work at the Arden. In recent years, he has also directed and had his plays produced at theatres across the country. Asher Lev is actually the first adaptation by Aaron that we have produced since The Chosen nearly a decade ago. We are eager to benefit from the perspective and new relationships that Aaron will bring to this process when we welcome him back to the Arden.
Like many other regional theatres, the Arden is firmly committed to developing audiences of the future. Artistic Directors are constantly searching for plays that will appeal to a young audience but not alienate older subscribers. Considered in this regard Asher Lev is a gift to the American theatre. This is the rare coming of age story that resonates with both high school and college audiences and their parents and grandparents. Older generations are sure to be attracted to the recognizable source material, while their younger counterparts will identify with Asher’s struggle to come of age and his rebellion against family and tradition. Asher Lev’s potential to appeal to a broad cross-section of age groups is yet another strong indicator that it will have a long life.
As one of the founders of Arden Theatre Company, Aaron Posner played a part in crafting our mission to tell great stories by great storytellers. Asher Lev certainly fits that bill. Aaron is committed to the art of literary adaptation, and his dedication warrants our providing him with the proper resources, time, and support staff that he needs. What is more, Asher Lev will be the first Arden commission to have a full production on our stage. If the play is a success, it will usher in a new era of play development at Arden Theatre Company. - From Producing Artistic Director, Terrence J. Nolen
Artistic Statement: “Over the past twenty years, literary adaptations have been a cornerstone or our work at the Arden. Thus, I am thrilled that Aaron’s adaptation of My Name is Asher Lev will be the first play commissioned by the Arden that we will produce.
Aaron has created a remarkable body of work at the Arden. In recent years, he has also directed and had his plays produced at theatres across the country. Asher Lev is actually the first adaptation by Aaron that we have produced since The Chosen nearly a decade ago. We are eager to benefit from the perspective and new relationships that Aaron will bring to this process when we welcome him back to the Arden.
Like many other regional theatres, the Arden is firmly committed to developing audiences of the future. Artistic Directors are constantly searching for plays that will appeal to a young audience but not alienate older subscribers. Considered in this regard Asher Lev is a gift to the American theatre. This is the rare coming of age story that resonates with both high school and college audiences and their parents and grandparents. Older generations are sure to be attracted to the recognizable source material, while their younger counterparts will identify with Asher’s struggle to come of age and his rebellion against family and tradition. Asher Lev’s potential to appeal to a broad cross-section of age groups is yet another strong indicator that it will have a long life.
As one of the founders of Arden Theatre Company, Aaron Posner played a part in crafting our mission to tell great stories by great storytellers. Asher Lev certainly fits that bill. Aaron is committed to the art of literary adaptation, and his dedication warrants our providing him with the proper resources, time, and support staff that he needs. What is more, Asher Lev will be the first Arden commission to have a full production on our stage. If the play is a success, it will usher in a new era of play development at Arden Theatre Company. ”
Director: Aaron Posner
Subsequent Productions:
Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati, Ohio, Jan. 27-Feb. 14, 2010
Round House Theatre of Bethesda, MD, Mar. 17 – Apr. 11, 2010
Delaware Theatre Company, Wilmington, DE, Feb. 10 – Feb. 28, 2010
Marin Theatre Company, Mill Valley, CA,. Sept10 - Oct 4, 2009