Daring drama tackles fishing and heroin addiction
World Premiere slated for La MaMa, pillar of Off Off Broadway theatre
NEW YORK, Dec. 1, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- If Colorado had an Ocean, a new play by veteran playwright Michael Gorman, addresses the common threads of addiction, recovery and a close-knit commercial fishing community in a raw, fast-paced production that debuts at the legendary La MaMa Theatre on December 4 and runs through December 21.
Semi-autobiographical If Colorado had an Ocean is one in a series of three plays by Gorman that chronicle the bonds, trials and desperation of a young commercial fisherman. The play tackles complex emotional and social issues around relationships and livelihoods with soulful energy and sharp wit.
"Although set in 1988, this play is perhaps even more poignant now – heroin use, abuse and addiction has reached epidemic proportions. It is a growing threat to people of all races, religions and socio-economic groups," said David Bennett, who directs the play. "In this light, Gorman has crafted another gripping, sensitive play about the frailties – and illusions – of life, love and addiction. It is as powerful as it is timely."
Gorman's trilogy of plays includes If Colorado had an Ocean, UltraLight and The Honor and Glory of Whaling – the latter two were previously produced at La Mama in 2000 and 2008. Described by Backstage magazine as "Trainspotting meets The Perfect Storm" in reference to films that address the contradictions and harsh realities of urban addiction and of commercial fishing, the trilogy shines a light on unspoken hardships and the toll they take.
"With this trilogy, my goal was to create the opportunity to observe ourselves as a community and help us understand that heroin addiction is a disease for which there is tremendous need for more education and treatment," said the playwright, Michael Gorman. "It captures both the inspirational spirit and the destructive demons of an older brother as he struggles to come to terms with issues he can't quite understand, not even with the help of his kid brother who struggles to help."
Set in the whaling port of New Bedford, Massachusetts, If Colorado had an Ocean, flawlessly melds aspects of the playwright's home state of Massachusetts with elements of his two adopted homes: Portland, Maine, and New York City.
LINKS FOR MORE INFO:
About the playwright and trilogy
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SOURCE Forty Hour Club - Michael Gorman Playwright
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