SILENCE Opens for Previews this Week - Lorraine Serabian Stars

LIBRA 6 PRODUCTIONS is presenting SILENCE...., an original play by Herand Markarian, directed by Kevin Thompson and starring Lorraine Serabian from May 11 to 24. Previews open this week on the 4th of May.

Set against the backdrop of the World War I Armenian genocide, SILENCE is the story of a woman's courageous journey to survive, embrace her family and preserve her Armenian heritage. It follows her 12-year search for her son and rediscovery of her former home and past. Ultimately, it leads her to a face-to-face confrontation with an enemy and to an unexpected and surprising discovery. SILENCE holds the power to enlighten us to the tangible effects that the Armenian genocide has left upon families and individuals during the past 100 years. It draws parallels to the effects of conflict in other parts of the world and leaves an unforgettable impact on audiences who experience this drama.

"As a director and theatre-goer, I am always attracted by stories that show the triumph of the human spirit," said Kevin Thompson, Director "When I first read "SILENCE", I was moved not just by the journey of Shooshan, but by the spirit of a people who, despite centuries of struggle and massacres, continue with a pride in their cultural identity and heritage. After reading "SILENCE", I was compelled to learn more and discovered a fascinating and deeply important culture that remains sidelined in our history books and recognition."

The cast are Shooshan/Dr. SuzAnne Smith: Lorraine Serabian, Khalil Bey: Charles Karel Ihsan: TODD LICEA, Hagope: DAVID M. FARRINGTON, and Orhan: EV (EVAN) ROUFEH.

Herand Markarian was born in Basra, Iraq, in 1938 and emigrated to the U.S. in 1962 where he earned a Ph.D. in chemistry and worked as a senior research scientist with Bristol Myers. Simultaneously, Markarian pursued his interest in theatre, attending the Circle-in-the-Square School in New York, writing and directing plays. He founded New York's Hamazkayin Theater Group in 1967, staging 36 productions and four multimedia programs. As an actor he has appeared in 40 roles, including Johannes Lepsius in the feature film ASSIGNMENT BERLIN. Markarian has directed plays from the classic Armenian repertoire as well as modern classics by such playwrights as Chekhov and Anouilh. His own plays have been performed in Armenia, Canada, England, Greece, Lebanon, Syria, and the U.S. Markarian is the recipient of the Gold Medal from Armenia's Ministry of Culture, Best Playwright from the Writers Union of Armenia, the Saint Mesrob Medal for Cultural Accomplishments and the Gold Medal for Hamazkayin. His other plays include MIRRORS, THE CYCLE, SOLOMON TEHLIRIAN, POLARIZATION, VARTANANK and DON'T PRY IN MY PRA YERS.

The Production Manager/ Tech Director is John Cooper, Stage Manager: REBECCA PERLMAN, Dramaturg/ PR Advisor: IRIS CHEKENIAN, Public Relations: Peter Burke Scenic Design: Kyle Dixon, Costume Designer: A. Christina Giannini, Lighting Designer: JOHN ECKERT, Sound Designer: JOSH MILLICAN, and the Graphic Designer is BAPTISTE FOURNIER.

Previews are May 4 at 8:00 PM May 5 at 2:00 PM May 6 at 200 PM May 9 at 8:00 PM and May 10 at 8:00 PM. The show opens May 11 at 8:00 PM and runs May 12 at 2:00 PM May 13 at 2:00 PM May 16 at 8:00 PM May 17 at 8:00 PM May 18 at 8:00 PM May 19 at 2:00 PM May 20 at 2:00 PM May 22 at 8:00 PM May 23 at 8:00 PM until closing May 24 at 8:00 PM.

TICKETS: Smarttix.com or call (212) 868-4444 - THE SHELL THEATER 300 W 43rd ST, 4th FL. TALK-BACK PERFORMANCES – WITH PLAYWRIGHT AND CAST ON: MAY 4, 9, 12, 24

More Articles by This Author...