Actors Rep returns to stage in Luxembourg

(JB) Actors Repertory Theatre Luxembourg kicks off the autumn English language theatre programme with Flowers in the Desert, a play about relationships.

Performed in the intimate setting of Am Garage (Robin du Lac), Donna Hoke's play recounts the story of Britt, played by Christine Probst, and Joe, played by Erik Abbott, two years after the couple split as Britt decides she wants to try again.

“For me I think one of the things that resonated that will probably resonate with the audience is about how couples communicate and how they listen or don't listen to each others' needs,” director Timothy Lone told wort.lu/en, adding: “What's nice to see is the characters go through transitions in change and make sacrifices for their respective partners. That's one of the key things – sacrifice.”

The Actors Rep team chose Flowers in the Desert after sending out a call for plays for the 2015 season.

Donna Hoke, who has won awards for her work and is based in Buffalo, New York, responded.

Flowers continues with the theme of contemporary women playwrights (Greyhounds was by Daryl Fazio), though this theme was not consciously chosen.

Lone explained when looking for the right text, he was interested in plays about relationships. It probably helped that Hoke's play is multi-faceted, flitting between serious moments to funny and sad.

Lone said: “It's a dramedy! (Drama-Comedy) and because it's contemporary people can identify with some of the language.”

It will be the second time after Greyhounds that Actors Rep will use the café theatre space on route d'Esch, which was originally set up as a cultural meeting place.

The decision received a mixed response but Lone is convinced that a café-style theatre is right for this play, in which he must recreate seven different environments and spaces.

“We knew in advance that both plays would fit. They are two-character places. The stage space was fun and it adds a nice dimension,” Lone said. 

Flowers in the Desert will be performed on October 2, 3, 5, 8, 9 and 10 from 7.30pm. Performances on October 4 and 11 begin at 6pm. Play tickets cost 20 euros or 40 euros including dinner. To book tickets, visit actorsrep.lu, email actorsrep.tickets@gmail.com or call 356339.

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