Central Works Theatre Ensemble - Production History

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LIONHEART: THE LAST GREAT CRUSADE

LIONHEART
The Last Great Crusade

a NEW PLAY about Richard the First

October 17 - November 23 2003

Berkeley City Club
2315 Durant Avenue

LIONHEART (the last Great Crusade) opens October 18 - a new play about Richard the First. Central Works takes a new look at one of the most famous kings of England, the legendary Richard the Lionheart, leader of the Third Crusade, and arch rival of his most famous contemporary in the Islamic world, Saladin.

"Richard, that robbed the lion of his heart and fought the holy wars in Palestine"
--Shakespeare

"His life was on magnificent parade which, when ended, left only an empty plain."
--Winston Churchill

Developed in workshop using Central Works' collaborative method of new play development, LIONHEART is written by Gary Graves, directed by Jan Zvaifler and features Robert Weinapple* as Richard; Rica Anderson as Joanna, sister to Richard; Armen DiLanchian as El-Malik, Saladin's brother; and Jodi Feder as Balian, Richard's chronicler and scribe. Costumes are designed by Lauren Kaplan, and sound by Gregory Scharpen.
(* member Actors' Equity Association; an Equity approved project).

"Lionheart's story is particularly relevant today. It's almost hard to believe this play is a totally new work, so assured is it... All four actors here are excellent in their roles, but Weinapple is remarkable for his precision; his rages, schemes, and tears are all equally believable. Once again, Rica Anderson shows her gift for accent and a truly queenly grace... bolstered by subtle lighting and Gregory Scharpen's score, Lionheart is a powerful and gripping experience."
--Lisa Drostova, East Bay Express

"Gary Graves' clever and involving script offers an exceptionally sharp and timely portrait of 'holy war'... Director Jan Zvaifler's exquisite production features strong performances, especially from Weinapple and Anderson, Lauren Kaplan's marvelous costumes and Gregory Scharpen's entrancing sound design add to an atmosphere that easily transports us to ancient Palestine, a pleasant time warp and a powerful reality check in one."
--Robert Avila, San Francisco Guardian

"Lionheart, written by ensemble member Gary Graves, directed by Jan Zvaifler, and developed collaboratively, is an engrossing drama with present-day resonance... Robert Weinapple's performance as Richard is particularly complex and emotionally deep, well matched by Rica Anderson's fiery turn as his bitter sister, Joan, and Jodi Feder as an inscrutable scribe whose hidden agenda is eventually revealed. This play deserves a long shelf life."
--Jean Shiffman, BackStage West