Zealot
By Theresa Rebeck
Directed by Marc Masterson
Originally produced at South Coast Repertory, Costa Mesa, CA.
October 17, 2014 through November 16, 2014
About the Premiere Production
Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The British consul pours tea for the American undersecretary of state, avoiding her questions—with answers to ones she hasn’t even asked. (Diplomacy at work.) In the street below, a group of women sets in motion a carefully planned protest. The results are devastating enough to ignite a battle of wills and wits—now that a life hangs in the balance. A riveting story by a prolific Broadway veteran and Pulitzer Prize finalist.
Artistic Statement
This production is part of a continuum of work that I have produced by Theresa Rebeck over the past 12 years including the premieres on Omnium Gatherum and The Scene, as well as full productions and workshops and development of other work. I admire her fierce intelligence and courage in confronting current issues while integrating her native sense of humor and skill with dramatic structure. The play’s topicality could be felt in every performance and you could witness the audience leaning in.
--Marc Masterson, Artistic Director, South Coast Repertory (Director: Zealot)
Grant Statement
The extra rehearsal time allowed us to explore contextual changes in the text that helped strengthen the dramatic thru-line, and allowed the actors time to explore different approaches to character and the rhythms of the script.
--Marc Masterson, Artistic Director, South Coast Repertory (Director: Zealot)
Director: Marc Masterson
Set Design: Ralph Funicello
Lighting Design: Russel H. Champa
Sound Design: Cricket S. Myers
Costume Design: Alex Jaeger
Additional creative team: Joanne DeNaut (Casting), Sue Karutz (Stage Manager), Kelly L. Miller (Dramaturg), Kathryn Davies (Assistant Stage Manager), Travis Donnelly (Assistant Director), Rachell Campbell (Literary Assistant), Lalena Vigil Hutton (Costume Design Assistant), Andrew Stephens (Light Board Operator), Jacob Halliday (Sound Engineer), Bert Henert (Wardrobe Supervisor)
Cast: Demosthenes Chrysan, Adam El-Sharkawi, Nikki Massoud, Alan Smyth, Charlayne Woodard
Additional Funders: Private contributions: Honorary Producers Yvonne and Damien Jordan