Fucking A

WRITTEN BY SUSAN-LORI PARKS
DIRECTED BY STEPHEN NUNNS^

February 3-12, 2017
Baltimore Theatre Project

Inspired by Nathaniel Hawthorne's classic novel The Scarlet Letter, Fucking A by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Suzan-Lori Parks, offers a bleak and dystopian view of the sadistic power games we are forced to play as members of a ‘free’ and modern society. Set in a post-apocalyptic world still divided by class and corruption, where its players are subject to arbitrary imprisonment, and where sexuality and fertility are discussed in an alternate language, we find Hester Smith working the only job available - abortionist to the lower class. Her branded A bleeding afresh every time a patient arrives, Hester hopes to save enough for a ‘promised’ reunion with her 'wrongfully' imprisoned son. A dark fable with music, including brief sardonic songs, Fucking A is an expressionistic exploration of society and the socio-political systems within it through the lens of a mothers undying love.

CAST

Cricket Arrison as the First Lady, Jessica Bennett^ as Hester, Rebecca Dreyfuss as Guard / Scribe, Kelly Hutchinson as Second Hunter, Jamil Johnson as the Mayor, Deirdre McAllister as Canary Mary, Javier Ogando as Monster, Martha Robichaud as First Hunger, Jared Swain as Butcher, Kaya Vision Jailbait / Waiting Woman 2, and Caitlin Weaver as Freedom Fund Lady / Third Hunter / Waiting Woman 1.

PRODUCTION

Stage Management provided by Gretchen Hylton. Set Design by Logan Lynch and Costume Design by Nicki Seibert. Lighting Design by Cara Antico with Properties Design by Emma Jo Shatto.

CRITICAL ACCLAIM

"Fucking A is fucking brilliant...this is a terrific production, and we can only be grateful to Iron Crow for bringing it to us." - Broadway World Baltimore

"Baltimore’s queer theater, Iron Crow, proves the perfect push-the-envelope match for Parks’ distinctive theatrics. They are more than up to the linguistic, musical, political and sexual demands of the play and their production crackles with danger and unsettling power." - DC Theatre Scene

" ... an extremely unusual, gripping, and powerful play, which is now being given a splendid new production by Baltimore’s Iron Crow Theatre." - DC Metro Theatre Arts

"Evocative, intensely performed and strongly directed, Fucking A stays with you, especially in a time like this. Incredibly well done. See it." - The Bad Oracle

"Iron Crow Theatre has found its niche with these edgy, queer and dark productions. Fucking A is the latest entry in the catalogue of well-performed and directed plays and is highly recommended." - OUTspoken

" ... penetrates deep and lingers in a time like this, as the gap between reality and dystopian fiction narrows … " - Baltimore City Paper

"Original and unsettling, emotional, and grandiose, Fucking A is not to be missed." - DC Metro Theatre Arts

^ Indicates Iron Crow Theatre Resident Artist.