BRIGHT SWORDS

Bright Swords

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Writer/Producer Rick Creese is excited to announce an encore performance of “Bright Swords” at the Ruby Theatre at the Complex on July 22 at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $10.00

Starring Ryan Vincent Anderson, directed by Jeffrey Wienckowski, BRIGHT SWORDS tells the true story of the African-American actor Ira Aldridge, who in 1825 fled racial hatred in New York City and sailed for London. There, he became the first black man ever to play Othello in Great Britain. He toured widely in England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales and became a major star of the Shakespearean stage. His presence inspired the abolition of slavery in the British Empire in 1833. Aldridge then moved on to the European continent and became an even bigger star in Germany, Hungary, Poland, Russian and elsewhere. He was seen as not only a leader of the abolitionist movement but as a representative for oppressed people all over Europe.

CRITICAL ACCLAIM for BRIGHT SWORDS:

“All I can say is WOW when thinking about Ryan Vincent Anderson in the tour de force, one man historical play, BRIGHT SWORDS. A Geffen- or Mark Taper-worthy drama. . . . Written by Rick Creese and directed by Jeff Wienckowski, this was Anderson’s Fringe debut – and oh what a debut it was. A solid hour of weaving through decades of Aldrich’s life in song and story without breaking a sweat or missing a beat. The most affecting drama at Fringe.” —Xaque Gruber, The Huffington Post.

“A Platinum Medal Winner!! . . . BRIGHT SWORDS stands as a sterling example of . . . what can be achieved when the synchronized talents of theatre join on a bare stage.
For there is little on stage at the Complex except for Rick Creese’ tight and expertly written play, Jeffery Wienckowski’s able and intelligent direction, and Ryan Vincent Anderson’s stellar performance, from which is conjured up a world long gone and a life of a man now long dead.
Such is the power of theatre” —Ernest Kearney, The TVolution.com.

“BRIGHT SWORDS has three essential elements that make it one of the most polished, intelligent, and satisfying productions at Fringe: an elegant performance by Ryan Vincent Anderson, a beautifully written, smart, funny, human script by playwright Rick Creese, and stylish, impeccably focused direction by director Jeffrey Wienckowski.

“The role is a natural fit for Anderson, who easily captures Aldridge’s dignity, eagerness, and humor. His narration is warmly conversational, due in part to Creese’s ability to find the essence of the man and write honestly in his voice. . . .
I wholeheartedly recommend you see it” —Ellen Dostal, Shakespeare in L.A and Broadway World.

“This was an incredibly thoughtful and thought-provoking piece, with a winning and evocative performance by Ryan Vincent Anderson and pithy, witty and touching writing from Rick Creese. Anderson’s facility to whip from character to character is very engaging. . . . [T]his is a very compelling piece which raises eternal questions about equality and the immense challenges facing actors of color in the undeniably privileged white environment of 1800s’ European and American theatre (and still…?).” —Bella Merlin, author of The Complete Stanislavsky Toolkit.

“[I]n this fascinating hour Ryan Vincent Anderson, as Aldridge, vividly enacts the history but also shows the soul of the man. . . . What playwright Rick Creese shows in this biography is the personal life of an itinerant player in that era who became a star while demanding that the British abolish slavery throughout the Empire – which they did. Anderson is magnificent as Othello, natch, but equally riveting as Shylock, just one of the roles Aldridge conquered”—Morna Murphy Martell, Theatre Spoken Here.

“BRIGHT SWORDS. . . was the best thing I saw at the 2015 Hollywood Fringe Festival. Written by Rick Creese and starring Ryan Vincent Anderson, the play was riveting from beginning to end, thanks to the crisp writing and directing, and above all to Anderson’s superb performance” —Willard Manus, TotalTheatre.com.

“Ryan Vincent Anderson is captivating as he effortlessly weaves a multitude of characters into the fascinating story of the first black Othello, embodying each with precision. I was especially moved by the text, as Rick Creese has succeeding in giving us historical details while immersing us in the private and personal life of Ira Aldridge. Kudos to the entire team, including Director Jeffrey Wienckowski, who creates a bevy of colours and textures, a true feat for a solo show! Highly recommended!” —Donna Simone Johnson.

“Any play that brings to the public consciousness the man, the actor Ira Aldridge, is a worthy play indeed. Now add the brilliant portrayal of Aldridge by Ryan Vincent Anderson, who also brings to life the many other people in Aldridge’s life including his wife, AND the learned and sparkling script by Rick Creese and you’ve got a play that is more than worthy, it is A MUST-SEE” —David Castro.

“I was waiting in line for another show a week ago when the small but utterly enthusiastic audience for this one emerged, raving about Ira Aldridge (the subject) and Ryan Vincent Anderson (the star). One of the real jewels of this year’s Fringe Fest, it deserves a longer life and a much wider audience” —Charles Ziarko.

“I loved this show! Wonderfully written and excellently performed by Ryan Vincent Anderson. I learned so much about the legendary Ira Aldridge through Anderson’s raw, brave, grounded, yet emotionally explosive performance. . . . What more could you want from a solo performance? Truly beautiful work. See it!” —Kyla Garcia