Abingdon Square at the Open Fist Theatre

Open Fist Theatre Company presents Abingdon Square by Maria Irene Fornes Directed by Martha Demson

LA WEEKLY RECOMMENDS!  “Martha Demson’s superb direction underscores the Jamesian ambiguity in María Irene Fornés’ period drama . . . [Demson] has an eye for creating gorgeous stage tableaux . . . Dan Reed’s moody lighting deserves special mention.” — Sandra Ross

LA TIMES PRAISES  “Demson’s direction is appropriately calm and circumspect, and she creates some marvelously ambiguous, haunting stage pictures with Maureen Weiss and Josh Worth’s set and Dan Reed’s lights. . . . it’s to the credit of Demson and her committed cast, particularly Fox and Blakesley, whose striking mismatch proves to be as strangely moving as it is disorienting.” — Rob Kendt

CURTAINUP.COM RAVES!  “. . . chiseled by Fornes into a play full of depths and unexpected byways. . . . Fornes is considered one of the most prominent American avant-garde playwrights. Seeing her turn her hand to a conventional form in a repressive period is of great interest and a testament to her infinite variety. . . . Heather Fox and James Brandon vividly express the pain and confusion of Marion and Michael. . . . Blakesley’s portrait of Juster shows a devastating transition to a man torn by anguish and fury.” — Laura Hitchcock

Open Fist Theatre Company presents the Los Angeles premiere of Maria Irene Fornes’ ABINGDON SQUARE. In turn-of-the-century New York, a grief-stricken girl of 15, recently bereft of her parents, finds comfort and relief in marriage to a man old enough to be her father. As this child becomes a woman, and desire for security turns to a desperate need for sexual fulfillment, what once was a comfort becomes a nightmare for both husband and wife. ABINGDON SQUARE shows us a tender yet frightening examination of the marriage bond.

“Abingdon Square” presented by the Open Fist Theatre, 1625 N. La Brea, Hollywood. Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 7 p.m. Jan. 9-Feb. 14. (323) 882-6912.

L.A. Weekly Award – Best Lighting Design, Dan Reed
L.A. Weekly Nomination – Best Director, Martha Demson
L.A. Weekly Nomination – Leading Female Performer, Heather Fox