FROM THE FOOTLIGHTS - May 1996

MOTHER'S DAY AND "'NIGHT"

On Monday May 13--the day after Mother's Day--we will discuss Marsha Norman's "'night, Mother," winner of the 1983 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. From its lead character's calm declaration, "I'm going to kill myself, Mama," to the play's inexorable conclusion, "'night, Mother" raises troubling questions of motherhood, responsibility, and courage. *Our discussion will feature local director and Footlights member Jose Carrasquillo, who directed a workshop production of "'night, Mother" some years ago at the Studio Theatre.*

We will meet in the banquet room of Persepolis, 7130 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda (301-656-9339). Persepolis is 2 blocks south of the Bethesda Metro (red line), on the same side of Wisconsin Ave. as the metro station (go all the way up the escalator and turn right). After 5 p.m. you can park for free at the Farmers' Market across Wisconsin Ave. Dinner begins at 6:30 and our discussion at 7:30. We may need to limit attendance, so make your reservations early by replying by e-mail to this newsletter.

Footlights members can purchase "'night, Mother" for a discount at Backstage Books, 2101 P St., NW (775-1488); Chapters, 1512 K St., NW (347-5495); Super Crown, 11 DuPont Circle, NW (319- 1374) and the White Flint Mall (301-770-6729); Luna Books, 1633 P St., NW (332-2543); Olsson's, 1307 19th St., NW (785-1133); and Politics & Prose, 5015 Connecticut Ave., NW (364-1919).

"EARNEST" IN JUNE

On Tuesday, June 11, we will celebrate our first birthday by discussing Oscar Wilde's hilarious satire "The Importance of Being Earnest" (1895), "a trivial comedy for serious people" that critics praised as a "classic" only seven years after its premiere. At 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 23, we will attend "Earnest" at the Washington Shakespeare Company's Clark Street Playhouse in Arlington. Ticket are $14 and include a $1 group discount and a discussion with the director and members of the cast. Make checks payable to Washington Shakespeare Company and mail to David Sobelsohn, 201 I St., SW, #838, Washington, DC 20024. For further information call David at 202-484-8303 or the theater at 703-418-4808.

HELP SELECT PLAYS!

We welcome proposals for plays to discuss. Before making a proposal read the play and check its availability at local bookstores. Those proposing a play will also be expected at our discussion to give (or arrange for someone else to give) a short introduction of the playwright and his or her work. Preference will go to plays by playwrights we have not yet discussed and to plays scheduled for local production.

Play selections are made two months in advance, so bookstores have time to obtain copies and so we can list the play in newsletters. We are now accepting proposals for our July play, which we will announce at our meeting May 13 and discuss on Wednesday, July 17.

THE THEATRE LAB

The Theatre Lab offers acting, singing, and theater- appreciation courses, all taught by Washington-area theater professionals. Theatre Lab members receive a discount on courses and selected plays, as well as invitations to special theatrical events around town. A summer course in theater appreciation begins June 3. For further information call Theatre Lab at 202-588-8113 or send e-mail to theatrebuz@ aol.com.