Mariamne by James Compton
by James Compton
directed by Luke Beattie
June 11, 12, 2010
The Ballard Underground
2220 NW Market, Seattle
WA 98107

'Mariamne': a modern world-premiere of a 350-year old play

In the mid-17th century, James Compton, 3rd Earl of Northampton--an important Royalist military commander at the time of England's Civil War--appears to have written several plays that resonate with the major social issues of his day: war, regicide, and usurpation. These works range from close translations of classical plays to seemingly original works. While it is uncertain whether or not the plays were performed in their own time, they have definitely not been seen in modern times, until very recently.

Director Luke Beattie is in the process of staging the premiere productions of all ten of the plays in the collection, and now joins Outsider's Inn to bring one of these plays, 'Mariamne', to the stage for its modern world-premiere. 'Mariamne' tells the story of Herod the Great and his second wife, Mariamne, as they are driven towards doom by the conflicting forces of love, and jealousy, suspicion, and revenge.

Performances will take place at 7:30 PM on June 11th and 12th at The Ballard Underground 2220 NW Market, Seattle, WA 98107. Admission is pay-what-you-can ($5 suggested donation). We hope you will join us for this unique event.

The Players: Bryan Bender, Gregory Berry, Valerie Brunetto, Dan Christiaens, Richard Clairmont, Tamron Harrison, Kelsey Hopper, Molly Mahar Lyman,Jennifer Monahan, Rachel Santoro, Jessica Stepka, and Rachel Wolfe.

"...a Play read, hath not half the pleasure of a play Acted: for though it have the pleasure of ingenious Speeches, yet it wants the pleasure of Gracefull action."
-Richard Baker, Theatrum Redivivum, 1662