An initial Announcement

In November, this year, theatre audiences in the Algarve will be treated to a unique event. The Lagoa Auditorium presents the Ariel DORFMAN play “Death and the Maiden” which will be presented in both English and Portuguese, using two sets of cast members. The Portuguese title of the play is “A Morte e a Donzela”. John and Barbara MOUNTFORD who were responsible for the acclaimed performance of Nicky Moran’s play “Lights Out” at the Quinta do Paço in 2006 will produce this combined event. John MOUNTFORD will direct both the English and Portuguese casts. Noteworthy too is that all proceeds from this combined production will be donated to the local charity “Castelo de Sonhos” and for support of Portuguese cultural development. The combined production will join the efforts of the Portuguese theatre group “100 Palavras” and a newly formed group “Benef*Actors”; the latter headed by John and Barbara. The intention is that all proceeds from future Benef*Actors productions will be made available for other selected local charities. Those who enjoy movies might remember the Roman Polanski film version of the play starring Sigourney Weaver, Ben Kingsley and Stuart Wilson. In summary, it is a psychological thriller in which a woman, who was imprisoned, raped and tortured under the auspices of a military dictatorship, thinks she recognizes her chief interrogator as he visits her home. She ties him up and begins a psychological interrogation, trying to get him to admit his guilt. Her lawyer husband, recently named to head up a Commission to investigate crimes committed by the fascists, is trapped in a three-way polemic. If you love drama this is a must-see production.

English production:

16th November, 2007 at 20.30 hrs

18th November, 2007 at 16.00 hrs

Portuguese production:

17th November, 2007 at 21.30 hrs

To book tickets (10 euros) and/ or for more information, please call Hetty Baart on 916 350 182 or email to benef.actors.pt@gmail.com