"Tranced" at the Merrimack Repertory Theatre

A new psychological thriller is currently running at the Merrimack Repertory Theatre of Lowell, Mass. The New England premiere of “Tranced” by Bob Clyman, directed by Kyle Fabel, will continue through March 8th.

Philip, played by Mark Zeisler, is a trancing psychologist, who must unearth the repressed traumatic memory of Azmera, played by Zainab Jah, a London graduate student suffering from panic attacks.

From MRT’s synopsis: “What happened to Azmera on her volunteer trip to Africa and why is it linked to the ongoing Kanguya Dam Project? What is the truth in the shocking memories of his patient and will anyone listen? Layered with provocative questions, the outcome has life and death consequences for thousands of people. This truly powerful production is sure to leave its audience questioning their experience and what they would have done in each of the characters’ difficult positions.” The cast also features Kimber Riddle as Beth, and David Adkins as Logan.

In an interesting aside to this production, the Merrimack Theatre is also in partnership with Community Teamwork’s SuitAbility program for a shoe and shoe box drive for the upcoming MRT production of “Bad Dates”.

In “Bad Dates”, Haley Walker is a single mother and successful business owner living in New York City. She is obsessed with shoes, and claims to have over 600 pairs in her closet.

To “dress” this set, MRT will hold a shoe and shoe box drive during the run of “Tranced”. Donated shoes and shoe boxes will be used in the upcoming production of “Bad Dates”, and then donated to SuitAbility, a Lowell-based charity. New or gently worn women’s dress shoes may be dropped off at Merrimack Repertory Theatre, 50 East Merrimack Street in Downtown Lowell between February 12th and March 8th.

The following is a list of brands needed for the shoe drive: Chanel, Nine West, Jimmy Choo, Manolo Blahnik, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, and any other shoes from a notable designer or high-end department store. Shoe boxes for these brands are also needed. While they may not be used in the production, MRT will also collect other brands of new or gently used women’s dress shoes.

SuitAbility is a program of Community Teamwork, Inc. created to enhance the marketability of economically challenged women. SuitAbility provides free employment related services such as interview/work clothing and employment/life skill workshops to low-income women.

If you’re able to take in this intriguing thriller, “Tranced”, check your closet first and bring along a pair of shoes to star in the next show, “Bad Dates”. Recycling at its most dramatic.

For more information on “Tranced” and the Merrimack Repertory Theatre, have a look at this website.