THE READER: A WORK-IN-PROGRESS READING

The Reader

A play by Chris Dolan
Based on the novel by
Bernhard Schlink

Cast

• Stewart W. Calhoun
• Christian Lebano
• Allegra Fulton
• Rhett Nadolny
• Ann Stocking

Directed by

Jean-Louis Rodrigue

Assistant Director

Brian Morri

Montalvo Arts Center has embarked upon an exciting new venture—commissioning the development of the U.S. premiere of the play, The Reader, based on the award-winning novel by German writer Bernhard Schlink. Published in Germany in 1995 and in the United States (translated by Carol Brown Janeway) in 1997, The Reader is an unlikely love story between a 15-year-old boy and older woman in post-War Germany, through which the novel explores the difficulties that subsequent generations have in trying to comprehend the immensity of the Holocaust. Having received immense international acclaim, The Reader has been translated into 37 other languages. It became the first German novel to top The New York Times bestseller list, and Oprah Winfrey selected it for her book club.

An impressive team of artists are collaborating on the development of the play, including Scottish playwright Chris Dolan and director Jean-Louis Rodrigue. Dolan wrote the original adaptation of The Reader that premiered in Scotland during 2000, and is writing the script for the United States production of the play. Rodrigue, a theater and movement director and professor at the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television. will direct the play. Bernard Schlink will be in residency at Montalvo in April to collaborate with Dolan and Rodrigue, as well as additional crew and cast.

As the development of the play continues to progress, Montalvo and the team of artists will work together to hold a series of open workshops for high school students and the general public. In keeping with its philosophy of exposing the public to the process of art, Montalvo seeks to engage the community with the active creative process as the play continues to evolve.

Following the completion of its development, the U.S. production of The Reader will premiere at Montalvo sometime between 2009 and 2011. Following a run at Montalvo, the play will begin an extensive national tour as a Montalvo co-production.