Word for Word Presents YOU KNOW WHEN THE MEN ARE GONE: 'THE LAST STAND' and 'GOLD STAR,' Now thru 2/24

Word for World presents You Know When the Men Are Gone, a world premiere production of two short stories "The Last Stand" and "Gold Star" by Sioban Fallon from her debut book. Previews are tonight, January 30, 31, and February 1 before a February 2 opening at Z Space (450 Florida Street, San Francisco). The production runs through February 24.

You Know When the Men Are Gone, provides an intimate look at life on an American military base through the eyes of the families of American soldiers deployed to Iraq. These stories ("The Last Stand", "Gold Star"), show another side of war - how those left behind must carry on in their daily lives in hope and fear, as well as what it's like for the wounded soldiers "returning to normal." In San Francisco, where most military bases have been closed, this play provides an opportunity to explore the struggles faced by veterans, and their relationships with their families and the non-veteran community, illuminating The Commonalities we all share. The author has a first-hand knowledge of the military: Siobhan Fallon is the wife of a military officer who has served in the US Army, including a tour of duty in Iraq.

Word for Word's production of "The Last Stand," directed by Joel Mullennix and "Gold Star," directed by Amy Kossow features actors Arwen Anderson, Roselyn Hallett, Armando McClain, Marilet Martinez, and Ryan Tasker. The production design team includes Drew Yerys (Lighting and Sound), Andrea Weber (Choreography), Delia MacDougall (Costumes and Props) and Jacquelyn Scott (Set Design) .

On Saturday, February 16 at 8pm, Word for Word presents "An Evening with Sioban Fallon " with a performance of the company's "The Last Stand" and "Gold Star", followed by an onstage conversation and reception with Sioban Fallon. Sioban Fallon's debut book You Know When the Men Are Gone will be available for purchase and she will be happy to sign them.

Concurrently the Z Space Gallery will present an exhibition of new work by visual artists Drew Cameron and Julia Goodman. Each artist will create pieces using handmade paper that consider the experiences of soldiers, veterans, and their families.

Previews begin on January 31 before a February 2 opening. Performances are on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7PM, Fridays and Saturdays at 8PM, and Sundays at 3PM through February 24.

Tickets are $30 for Wednesday and Thursday performances and $40 for Fridays-Sundays. The February 16 author night is $55. A $5 discount is available for students and senior citizens. Tickets to all preview performances (January 30, 31, February 1) are $20.

For tickets, visit www.brownpapertickets.com or www.zspace.org. You may also call the 24-Hour Ticket Hotline at 800-838-3006.

Word for Word is the theatre company that transforms classic and contemporary fiction into performance works for the stage. Founded in 1993 by Susan Harloe and JoAnne Winter, the company is in its 19th year. Word for Word performs short stories in their entirety, preserving the author's language and honoring his or her literary intent. Word for Word has staged works throughout the Bay Area, as well as in France. In 1997, Word for Word received a special Bay Area Critics Circle Award for its unique concept and in 1998, 2002, 2003, and 2005, the Bay Area Critics Circle awarded the company numerous honors for productions including "The Halfway Diner," "Winesburg, Ohio," Stories by Tobias Wolff," and "Immortal Heart." In 2008 Word for Word received the Best Ensemble Award for "Sonny's Blues," with composer Marcus Shelby receiving the best Original Score for the production. Playwright Octavio Solis, Cal Shakes Artistic Director Jonathan Moscone, and Word for Word co-Artistic Directors JoAnne Winter, and Susan Harloe, came together in 2006 to create an adaptation of John Steinbeck's The Pastures of Heaven which premiered at Cal Shakes in 2010. Word for Word is a program of the Z Space.

Z Space was founded in 1993 to promote the artistic and professional advancement of Bay Area theatre. With our signature Word For Word and Youth Arts programs, along with our commissioning and careful development of new plays, we have become one of the nations leading laboratories for the development of new works and emerging playwrights. In August, 2009, we moved to our new home in Project Artaud, and commenced the upgrade and transformation of this iconic theatre venue where we will create a most welcoming hub of outstanding artistry from all disciplines including theatre, dance, music, multimedia and visual arts.

More Articles by This Author...