ER's Hallee Hirsh Stage Bound - Assumes Title Role in Valerie Dillman's Sarah's War

March 31, 2012 - PRLog -- Sarah's War, L.A. Weekly's Pick of the Week and Back Stage's Critic's Choice, has been extended by popular demand at the Hudson Theater - Main Stage - through April 15, 2012 playing Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm, and Sunday matinee at 3 pm.

From the Levantine Cultural Center Website:

"Sarah's War, a fictionalized look at the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, suggested by the real-life experiences of the late American activist Rachel Corrie. A powerful drama set in California, Gaza and Israel, Sarah's War is both funny and wistful as it presents Palestinian, Israeli and American perspectives, revealing humanity on all sides."

Featured Reviews:

"Dillman's work ultimately succeeds in illuminating the event's human, political and moral particulars. Director Matt McKenzie's discerning eye and ear are evident in both the production's well-calibrated pacing and its solid performances." —LA Weekly (Pick of the Week)

"Through Matt McKenzie's assured direction of a fine cast, the piece finds its most intimate perspective on Sarah's death in the emotional aftermath for her family." —Los Angeles Times

"Dillman's play is provocative and full of affecting scenes. The title character [Sarah - now played by Hallee Hirsh] is depicted as an idealist so naively passionate that her death seems almost inevitable. Sarah's mother, Ann (Terry Davis), is tormented by conflicts and a desperate need to know what really happened. And Danny, the driver of the fatal bulldozer [Will Rothhaar/ and the versatile Ryan Martin], becomes a tormented figure with deep-seated doubts about the justice of his mission." —Back Stage (Critic's Pick)

"Dillman sees the complexity of the situation, and she uses all that complexity and ambivalence to intensify the drama. Matt McKenzie's staging thoroughly respects and delineates the play's many layers and even manages to pull off a coda that, on paper, might seem somewhat precious." —LA Stage Times

Synopsis

"Sarah is an idealistic 23-year-old who decides to join members of the International Solidarity Movement in Palestinian Territories under Israeli military occupation, much to the consternation of her Jewish uncle, to whom she initially appeals for support. He doesn't want her to potentially put herself in harm's way. It's pointed out to her that there are plenty of worthwhile things that need to be done right in her own backyard.

It's rough going for her once she arrives in the Middle East. There are Arabs who suspect her of being a spy, while some Israelis regard her as a terrorist sympathizer. Yet Sarah sees herself as a peace activist and is determined to remain.

She's in a village, however, where soldiers, tanks and militarized bulldozers are nearby. When armies and civilians conflict, destiny is sometimes cruel..."

Hirsh assumes the role of Sarah on March 23, 2012.  The play also stars Terry Davis and Lindsey Ginter and features Ann Bronston, Avner Garbi, Will Green, Ryan Martin, Kate Miner, Will Rothaar, Ayman Saman, Dina Simon, Adria Tennor Blotta and Allan Wasserman.

Sarah's War is a Freedom Theatre West and Levantine production and is directed by Matt McKenzie.

Tickets can be ordered at 310-657-5511 or on the web www.freedomtheatrewest.org or plays411.net/sarahswar
Date/Time:
Mar 23 2012 8:00pm - Apr 15 2012 5:00pm
Price:
$30 Preferred, $25 General Admission, $12.50 Students
Where:
Hudson Theatre
6539 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles CA 90038
between Highland and Vine
street parking after 7 pm, valet parking $5