The Oath opens at the ArcLight Theatre

 

Maieutic Theatre Works, the company responsible for Anais Nin Goes To Hell at the most recent New York International Fringe Festival, presents the world premiere of The Oath at the ArcLight Theatre beginning April 23.

The Oath is described as an “epic Southern gothic tragedy with moments of humor,” by its author, Jacqueline Goldfinger (and yes, that’s her real name.  That was my first question too).  Set in Depression-era Florida, the play centers around a preacher and two rival sisters who are torn between spiritual obligation and personal ambition.  Because the play examines how people act in times of economic crisis, it promises a contemporary relevance.  Says Goldfinger, “What really interests me is how pressure forces people to reveal their true selves.”

The play was submitted to the National NewBorn reading series sponsored by Maieutic Theatre Works, but the company felt the script was ready to go, as is, and decided to mount a full production.

After receiving her MFA from the University of Southern California, Ms. Goldfinger was hired as an artistic assistant to Des McAnuff at the La Jolla Playhouse.  She says she learned a great deal as a playwright while there simply by observing how Aaron Sorkin made changes when The Farnsworth Invention workshopped at the Playhouse.

Previous works by Ms. Goldfinger include The Burning Season and a musical adaptation of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.  She has also been commissioned to write an adaptation of Little Women for North Coast Repertory Theatre near San Diego for 2010.

The Oath, directed by Cristina Alicea, has a limited run from April 23 to May 10 at the ArcLight Theatre, which is located at 152 West 71st Street.  The cast is comprised of Sarah Chaney, Anthony Crep, Louise Flory, Robin Madel, Dianna Martin and Maureen O’Boyle.  For more information, check out www.mtworks.org/theoath.