NY Stage and Film Presents World Premiere of Bogosian's 1+1 at Vassar

Vassar and New York and Stage and Film present the world premiere of 1+1, written by Eric Bogosian and directed by Mark Brokaw, with Kelli Garner, Josh Hamilton, and Matthew Maher, July 1-July 13, 2008 at the Powerhouse Theater

Opening the mainstage of Vassar and New York Stage and Film's 24th Powerhouse Theater season is the world premiere of 1+1 by Eric Bogosian, directed by Mark Brokaw, and featuring Kelli Garner, Josh Hamilton, and Matthew Maher, with thirteen performances to be presented July 1-July 13.

In the imponderable nature of relationships and human desire, does one plus one always equal two? Bogosian's first production at the Powerhouse season explores themes of desire and greed, debating one's responsibility to others, through the lives of a waitress aspiring to be an actress (Brianne), an assistant restaurant manager (Carl), and a photographer (Phil).

Bogosian, the Drama Desk and Obie Award-winning author of Talk Radio, SubUrbia, and Sex, Drugs, Rock & Roll, said of the characters in his play "Bri, Phil, and Carl are based on people I've found intensely interesting my whole life: a good-looking hustler, an ambitious pretty girl, and a 'good guy' who always seems to finish last." He continued, "The story is a parable. All my plays are. My plays are not expositions of a specific time and place. Rather, I try to find a way to set them so that the audience can immerse itself in a situation. I don't have answers. I have questions."

Of the Powerhouse production, Bogosian said, "This is a wonderful and genuine laboratory situation. The ingredients are of the highest quality: great cast, great director. I love the process of actors and directors figuring out what I've written. There's nothing I enjoy more."

NOTE: 1+1 is recommended for mature audiences only. Contains strong language and adult situations.

Evening and matinee performances of 1+1 will be held in the Powerhouse Theater on the Vassar campus, including a special post-show discussion on Tuesday, July 8, with the cast and Powerhouse artistic staff. Tickets for this mainstage production are $35, and can be ordered online at http:// powerhouse.vassar.edu, or through the Powerhouse box office at (845) 437-5599 and (845) 437-7235.