Gitana Productions, Inc. receives five Kevin Kline Awards nominations for its first theater production
January 19, 2009

ST. LOUIS, MO – Gitana Productions, Inc. has been nominated for five Kevin Kline Awards for its original production “Complacency of Silence: Darfur,” a play about genocide in Africa. Written by former Kevin Kline Awards winner Lee Patton Chiles, the play was the first dramatic theater production by Gitana.

“Complacency of Silence: Darfur” was nominated for Outstanding New Play or Musical, Outstanding Lighting Design (Tim Poertner), Outstanding Set Design (Tim Poertner), Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Play (Thomasina Clark) and Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Play (Joel King). The Kevin Kline Awards will be presented on March 30, 2009 at the Loretto-Hilton Center in Webster Groves. Tickets are available by calling 314-531-7529.

“We’re thrilled that the play has been recognized with such enthusiasm,” said Cecilia Nadal, executive director of Gitana Productions. “The artists and staff put every ounce of their talent into this production because they recognized the importance of bringing the message of genocide in Darfur to St. Louisians.”

Nadal sought out St. Louis playwright Lee Patton Chiles to interview refugees and aid workers from Darfur, and write a play based on real people and their personal accounts.

“Being nominated for a Kevin Kline Award for best new play is an honor in and of itself. But the fact that “Complacency of Silence: Darfur” was nominated in this category is especially humbling,” said Chiles. “The topic of genocide made it one of the most difficult plays I’ve ever researched or written. I’m so grateful that Gitana wanted to produce a show with such an urgent message.”

“The Kevin Kline Awards nominations reinforce our belief that hard work and love of the arts can make a true impact. These nominations have strengthened our commitment and motivation to continue our aid and support of the people of Darfur,” said Gloria Overton, president of the Gitana board of directors.

Each year, Gitana Productions chooses a different region or culture as the focus of its “Faces of Love” program. Typically, “Faces of Love” includes a series of events ranging from lectures and musical performances to traditional dancing and authentic cuisine. Last year, Nadal expanded Gitana’s arts education efforts to the theater stage in hopes of reaching a greater and more diverse audience with the message about Darfur.

“When we are separated by continents, theater has a great capacity to bring us together. Our mission has always been to educate people through music, dance and drama, and a play was the best medium to tell the story of Darfur,” said Nadal. “Our board of directors helped make this possible, providing a 40 percent match of volunteer time to the funding. The support of St. Louis University was also vitally important. Gitana will continue to offer multidisciplinary arts events to achieve our mission of global healing and cultural acceptance in St. Louis.”

Gitana’s 2009 “Faces of Love” program focuses on Iran and Afghanistan with a second original theatrical production written by Chiles. Last year, Gitana presented a musical and poetry performance from Iran featuring international artists Hossein Omoumi and Fatemeh Keshavarz. The upcoming play “My Heart Keeps Shaking: Afghan Women Refugees in St. Louis” will debut at St. Louis University Theatre on May 22, with nine performances through June 7. Tickets are available by calling 314-721-6556.

“This year, we will get a glimpse into the journey of female Afghan refugees as they travel from Afghanistan to St. Louis,” Chiles said. “Just like “Complacency of Silence: Darfur” this play will open our eyes to a situation we hear a lot about but rarely understand from such a personal point of view.”

The Regional Arts Commission, the Missouri Arts Council, The National Endowment for the Arts, Arts and Education Council and the Boeing Employees Charitable Trust have provided funding to support the “Faces of Love From Iran and Afghanistan” events.

Gitana Productions, Inc. is a not-for-profit arts and education organization dedicated to increasing cross-cultural awareness and collaboration by bringing international music, dance and drama to the St. Louis community.  Gitana events present a rarely seen diversity of international and local artists exhibiting an array of traditional and innovative artistic expressions. For more information, visit www.gitana-inc.org or call Gitana Productions at (314) 721-6556.