Robin Morgan:
The "otherizing" of women is the oldest oppression known to our species, and it's the model, the template, for all other oppressions.

PRESS RELEASE:

For more information, contact:
Anne Bertram
612-721-1186
abertram@theatreunbound.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 1, 2006

THEATRE UNBOUND UNLEASHES STORIES OF WOMEN AT WAR
Playwright Shirley Lauro, women Vietnam veterans to join in for Upper Midwest professional premiere of A Piece of My Heart

Theatre Unbound unleashes stories of American women in the Vietnam War with their March 4-18 production of Shirley Lauro's A Piece of My Heart, which will also include these special events:

• Saturday March 4: Audience Q&A with playwright Shirley Lauro
• Saturday March 11: Audience discussion with panel of women Vietnam vets
• All performances: Lobby display of artwork and memorabilia from women Vietnam vets

A Piece of My Heart runs March 4-18, 2006 at The Playwrights' Center, 2301 Franklin Avenue East in Minneapolis (see show calendar below). Ticket prices are $16 (regular adult), $14 (student/senior), and $12 (veterans and active military). Call 612-721-1186 for reservations or more information.

Inspired by Keith Walker's book of the same name, A Piece of My Heart follows its protagonists from the war through the dedication of The Wall in 1984. They struggle with their memories of Vietnam and with a society that is indifferent at best and hostile at worst.

"Because we're women, we are unseen," says Vietnam veteran and project consultant Mary O’Brien Tyrrell (Lieutenant JG, US Naval Hospital (Guam) 1967-68). "We don't fit the stereotype of a Vietnam vet. Women experience war differently and carry memories in our hearts. Come to learn how it affected our souls."

A Piece of My Heart will be directed by Maggie Bearmon Pistner, whose "Sin and Tonic" drew rave reviews at Unbound's Third Annual Directors' Gym. The ensemble cast features Bonni Allen, Beth Chaplin, Edward O. Linder (Theatre Pro Rata, Gremlin Theatre), Sophronia Liu, Angela Marsh (Unbound's The Tempest), Lori M. Neal (CTC, Pillsbury House, Penumbra), and Anna Olson.

Performances:

Theatre Unbound produces high quality, visionary theatre created by women - powerful stories that represent women in active pursuit of their goals and desires; female perspectives on universal struggles and achievements.

• City Pages: Best of The Twin Cities 2004: Best Theatre for New Work (honorable mention)
• Minnesota Women's Press: Feminist Finds 2004: Favorite Local Theatre (honorable mention)

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