LENOX, Mass. — The 15th Anniversary Season of WAM Theatre continues with a Fresh Takes Play Reading of "Far, Far Better Things" written by Geetha Reddy and directed by Tatyana-Marie Carlo on Sunday, April 7, 2024 at 2pm at The Foundry in West Stockbridge. 

 

"Far, Far Better Things" will also be viewable online on Saturday and Sunday, April 13-14. 

 

According to a press release:

 

Inspired by Dickens' "A Tale of Two Cities", this new play tells the tale of two women – Pilar, a Latina domestic worker, and Zoe, a young South Asian doctor – separated by class, race, and the unspoken rules of modern womanhood. The two women struggle to balance their responsibilities to their children, to themselves, and to each other. In the end, they must decide if they are on the same or opposing sides of the struggle.  

 

"When I set out to reimagine 'A Tale of Two Cities' my idea was to center the two female characters in the book; portray them as allies instead of enemies," said Reddy. "As I was writing the play the events of the book and the real world seemed to align. And as I watched, and partook, in the waves of activism sweeping the world I found myself compelled to set the play in the present day. But at its heart I still contend with the same questions Dickens does: How do you know when it is time to act? What action is meaningful? And for whom should you make sacrifices?"

 

"We've been watching Geetha's development of  this beautiful play for a couple of years and are honored to debut the new version at WAM's Fresh Takes Play Reading Series," said Talya Kingston, WAM's associate artistic director, who curates the series.  "It cleverly interweaves immigrant stories showing how differences in class, race and gender affect life decisions in contemporary America, and how trauma reverberates through generations."

 

The play features local professional actors including: Abuzar Farrukh as Josh and Isabel Sanchez as Dani. The rest of the company will be announced.

 

WAM Theatre's Fresh Takes Play Reading Series presents stories that are explorations of complex issues affecting women and girls. Featuring local professional actors and directors, the Fresh Takes play readings continue WAM's commitment to connecting Berkshire audiences to female playwrights who are contributing to national and international theatre conversations. Each reading will be followed by a brief discussion with the artists.

 

Audience members will be able to purchase a drink and sit in the comfortable, cabaret space in close proximity to the performers to enjoy the play. The Foundry's Producing Artistic Director, Amy Brentano, states that: "The Foundry is honored to host WAM Theatre's Fresh Take series continuing a history of collaborations with the company. Fresh Takes aligns with our mission to prioritize, develop, and share new work for the stage."

 

WAM will be streaming "Far, Far Better Things" the following weekend (April 13-14), allowing audiences from across the country, as well as those unable to attend the live performance, to watch this new play reading from the comfort of their homes.  Tickets to online stream are now available.

 

 For more information or to reserve your tickets today, visit WAM online at wamtheatre.com or call 413.274.8122.