Venture Reading Series

About

The PAC was originally launched in 2008 as an opportunity to simply hear the words of classical texts read aloud, in a room, for all to listen and enjoy. What began as a low-key and informal gathering of actors and artists with a shared love of the language has evolved into a core part of our mission statement: an evening to delight in long-forgotten words, read aloud by incredible actors, free of charge.

We hold our readings on Monday evenings, a night when theatre artists typically are free to attend. There are always snacks. We also believe that cookies and tea go a long way towards making a good night of free theatre into a great evening.

Our Venture Reading Series will always be free. All are welcome.

2019-2020 Venture Reading Series

A Collaboration with Teatro del Sol
​Federico García Lorca’s Yerma
Translated by: James Graham-Luján & Richard L. O’Connell
Directed by: Tanaquil Márquez

​December 16, 2019

The title Yerma translates to “barren” in English, a brutal theme in this 20th century Spanish classic. Having been married to Juan for 2 years, Yerma is unable to get pregnant, which develops into a conflict that completely consumes her. As she desperately seeks for ways to inspire fertility, she is driven to the edge and falls into severe consequences. Lorca’s Yerma is layered with poetry, passion and repression and focuses on social expectations on women and motherhood. The show is devastating and powerful, as Yerma exposes a woman being trapped by her own body.

Cast
Lorenza Bernasconi - Yerma
Freddy Amill - Victor
Madeleine Garcia - Maria, Third laundress
Daniela Malavé - Old Woman, Fourth laundress
Krystal Rosa - First Girl, First laundress/Sister in Law
Diana Rodríguez - Second Girl, Fifth laundress/Sister in Law
Yajaira Paredes - Dolores, Second laundress
Anthony Diaz - Juan
Guy West - Guitarist
​​A Collaboration with Theatre in the X
William B. Branch’s In Splendid Error
Directed by: Eric Carter

​February 10, 2020
The Proscenium Theatre at the Drake
302 S. Hicks Street, Phila. PA

A historical drama that examines the friendship between the statesman Frederick Douglass and noted abolitionist John Brown, as Brown contemplates his now infamous raid on Harpers Ferry. An intimate portrait of men at the crossroads of history, this play delves into the small decisions that sometimes change the world. Presented as part of Philly Theatre Week.

Cast
​Ross Beschler - George Chatham
Richard Bradford - Shields Green; Joshua; Telegraph Voice
Carlo Campbell - Frederick Douglass
Mark Christie - Lewis
Niya Colbert - Anna Douglass
Josh Kirwin - Theodore Tilton
LaNeshe Miller-White - Stage Directions
​Eric Mills - Loudon
David Pica - Forbes; Sanborn
Bob Weick - John Brown
Laila White - Annie