The Heretic Mysteries
The West Coast Premiere of the much anticipated epic play from the writer/director of I Gelosi.
The Los Angeles Theatre Ensemble continues its critically acclaimed season with the highly anticipated The Heretic Mysteries, a new play from the writer/director of the 2008 hit comedy I Gelosi. The Heretic Mysteries opens May 14 at the Powerhouse Theatre and runs through June 6. Immediately following the May 14 performance, the audience is invited to join the company at the Opening Night Reception on the Deck at the Powerhouse. Closing Night June 6 will be followed by the Closing Night reception.
The Heretic Mysteries is based on the best-selling book Montaillou: The Promised Land of Error by acclaimed French historian Emmanuel Le Roy Ladurie. First published in the 1970’s, the book tells the story of a mountain village torn apart by heresy in the 14th Century. “I found Ladurie’s book to be a revelation,” explains writer/director David Bridel. “The story of a world shattered by violence and extremism is eerily prophetic. Murder, betrayal, adultery, blackmail, and debauchery run amok. Amid the terror, there is also love, heroism, sacrifice, and faith. And because the book draws on the actual words of peasants and priests, shepherds and charlatans, the story has a remarkable freshness and immediacy.”
Presented by the Los Angeles Theatre Ensemble, written and directed by David Bridel, The Heretic Mysteries features Jonathan Green*, David Hardie, Ashley Lambert, Mike Kindle*, Spencer Kramber, Michael John Pappas, Lucas Caleb Rooney*, Dee Amerio Sudik*, Catherine Talton, Isaac Wade, Matthew Weedman, and Paige Lindsey White. Scenic design is by Amy Maier, costume design by Jen Lee, lighting design by Jenna Pletcher, sound design by Corwin Evans, puppetry by Anne Marie Bookwalter, choreography and associate direction by Saffron Henke, and original music composition by Christopher Harrison. Stage Management by Elizabeth Boulger.
Production Team:
Written and Directed by David Bridel
Stage Management by Elizabeth Boulger
Scenic Design by Amy Maier
Costume Design by Jen Lee
Lighting Design by Jenna Pletcher
Assistant Lighting Design by Jess Manning
Sound Design by Corwin Evans
Assistant Sound Design by Adam Smith
Puppetry by Anne Marie Bookwalter
Technical Direction by Jim Sudik
Original Music Composed by Christopher Harrison
Choreography and Associate Direction by Saffron Henke
*Members of Actors Equity Association
Thursday, May 14, 2009
“Wade, Pappas and White shine. They are stars of the Los Angeles Theatre Ensemble (all three starred in Bridel’s I, Gelosi, and White and Wade were both incredible in Quixotic). They are remarkably talented individuals. It would be wise for theatre buffs and aspiring actors to follow their careers.” - Eye Spy LA
“Bridel’s direction facilitates the swift and imperceptible shifts between time periods and locations, and the cast ...earnestly embody their characters.” - LA Weekly
"Bridel is the real thing, one of the most inventive, scholarly and vastly –- and we mean vastly -- challenging voices on the current theatrical scene. He is fortunate in his unerringly proficient cast, which tackles his demanding play with unfaltering commitment. His spirited "Mysteries" takes us on a journey through harsh but fascinating terrain." - LA Times