PORT TOWNSEND — REDD, an interpretation of Little Red Ridinghood set in Spanish-Colonial Philippines, will have its world premiere beginning Wednesday and continuing through April 30.
The play by Kat Agudo was selected for the highly competitive National Endowment for the Arts Challenge America grant.
Tickets to the play at the Key City Playhouse, 419 Washington St., Port Townsend, can be purchased at keycity publictheatre.org or phone 360-385-5278. Accessible pay-what-you-wish performances and ASL translation are available for this production. For group sales, contact boxoffice@keycitypublic theatre.org.
REDD tells of Rue, a mysterious orphan, a trapped princess betrothed to a Spanish viceroyal huntsman in the sheltered town of Intramuros, Manila. Accompanied by a spirit guide, Rin, they journey to Grandmother’s house.
“What follows is a fantastical battle fueled by the sacrifice of Rue’s ancestors and a chance for liberation of her people,” organizers said.
“REDD celebrates the Philippines’ rich culture, female empowerment, and the diverse community of KCPT resident artists in this World Premiere commissioned play.”
KCPT artists involved are Brendan Chambers (New Moon: A Dog’s Tale); Tomoki Sage and Consuelo Aduviso (Around the World is Less than Eighty Days). The show also features the talent of Gabs Nathanson as Rue Redd, a dancer who hails from California and director, Yari Cervas, from MaArte Theatre Collective.
Agudo holds a BA in English and anthropology with a certificate in Italian Studies from Rome, Italy and The University of Texas at Austin. Agudo graduated with a master’s degree in playwriting from The Actors Studio Drama School at Pace University.
Awards include semi-finalist status for Theatre Mu Tang Clan, The Women’s Playwright Center at Speranza, Emerson Stage NewFest and nomination for Best of the Net. Agudo first arrived in Port Townsend as a resident artist at Centrum for screenwriting.
This play was workshopped on Governor’s Island in NYC by Visual Muze, a storytelling residency and retreat in partnership with The West Harlem Arts Fund and Theatre East in Long Island. REDD will have its world premiere at Key City Public Theatre in April 2023.
This show contains strong language, fantasy violence, mature themes and is not suitable for young children. Viewer discretion is advised.
