Studio 58 presents Balm in Gilead, an underworld adventure by Lanford Wilson

Studio 58, the nationally renowned professional theatre training program at Langara College, concludes the 47th season with BALM IN GILEAD, an underworld adventure by Lanford Wilson and directed by Bob Frazer. Described as "an explosive amalgam of realism and theatrical illusion," BALM IN GILEAD takes us to an all night coffee shop. With humour, understanding and compassion the audience is introduced to a group of hustlers, drug addicts and lost souls who are finding their way on the streets of the big city.

"...one of the great underappreciated heroes of 20th century American drama."
- Martin Denton, nytheatre.com

"In 1965 Lanford Wilson sat in a coffee shop and wrote down the words he overheard from the people he describes as "the petty thieves, bargainers, hagglers, pimps, prostitutes and addicts". I like to believe that he immersed himself in truth and that gift is what BALM IN GILEAD gives us. The truth. My goal is to immerse the audience in the truth of that café. From being seated in the booths of the café to feeling like the characters are speaking directly to you, the audience will be immersed in the truth of these people and their struggles in the search for love." - Bob Frazer

WARNING: Contains graphic scenes and mature subject matter.

BALM IN GILEAD was Lanford Wilson's first full-length play. He was in his 20's and the Off Off Broadway theatre scene was in its infancy. The play caused a sensation at the Café La Mama in 1965; witnesses say that the doors had to be locked to keep out excess theatergoers. Mr. Wilson went on to co-found the Circle Repertory Company and have a prolific career including the hit plays The Hot L Baltimore, Burn This and the Pulitzer Prize winning Talley's Folly. The 1980 Steppenwolf Theatre production of BALM IN GILEAD directed by John Malkovich with Gary Sinise, Laurie Metcalf and Joan Allen in the 29 member cast, went on to run in New York for 10 months and cement the company's longstanding relationship with Wilson and Circle Rep.

"Lanford was a soul mate; he was a champion of losers who refused to lose."
-- Jeff Perry, co-founder of Steppenwolf Theatre

Directed by Bob Frazer

March 21 -- April 7, 2013

Previews March 21 & 22; Opens March 23
At Studio 58, Langara College, 100 West 49th Avenue
studio58.ca (langara.bc.ca/studio-58/)

Set Design Naomi Sider
Costume Design Connie Hosie
Lighting Design John Popkin
Musical Supervision Nico Rhodes

Shows -- 8:00 pm Tuesday to Saturday;
Matinees 3:00 pm Saturday & Sunday, except March 23;
NO SHOWS Mondays
$10 TALKBACK TUESDAYS
Single tickets $22.00/19.00/17.00; previews and matinees $12. (not including service fees)
Tickets Tonight, ticketstonight.ca (ticketstonight.ticketforce.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=1869) or 604.684.2787