Article: 9970; Posted: July 15, 2015 at 10:00 a.m.

Gender non-conformity, the struggles that a group of homeless female veterans face, and an elderly woman’s dramatic attempt to maintain her independence are just a few of the themes featured in Matrix Theatre Company’s 25th anniversary beginning in September.

Opening the season, “A Kid Like Jake” by Daniel Pearle tells the story of a boy whose affection for Cinderella and dress-up causes a ripple effect of consequences in his parents’ lives. “The Velocity of Autumn” by Eric Coble, the story of an aging woman trying to hold onto her independence, follows in November. Matrix has commissioned renowned playwright Caridad Svich to create an original bilingual play, “agua de luna” (psalms for the rouge), inspired by the spirit of southwest Detroit and premiering in February. “Low Hanging Fruit” by Robin Bradford closes the season and examines the lives and challenges of four homeless female veterans living in Los Angeles.

“We are excited about the shows we’ve chosen for our 25th anniversary season,” said Matrix artistic director, Megan Buckley-Ball. “We believe each of the themes resonates deeply within today’s society, and, thanks to support from the Knight Foundation, we are thrilled to premiere Caridad Svich’s newest work and reflect the unique nature of southwest Detroit.”

Individual tickets go on sale Monday, August 3, 2015. Prices range from $15 to $20. A Season Ticket Pass may be purchased at a 20% discount. Group rates are available for most shows. For further information on the 2015-2016 Season, or to order tickets, go to www.matrixtheatre.org or call 313.967.0599.

“A Kid Like Jake” by Daniel Pearle (September 18 – October 11, 2015)
Alex and Greg have high hopes for their son Jake, a precocious four-year-old and a viable candidate for admission to Manhattan’s top kindergartens. When Jake’s affection for Cinderella and dress-up is scrutinized, Jake’s behavior becomes erratic and a ripple effect of consequences follows. This story of a husband and wife attempting to do right by their son examines the complexity of parenthood and challenges assumptions about gender, privilege, class, and what it means to be “normal.”

“The Velocity of Autumn,” by Eric Coble (November 20 – December 13, 2015)
Alexandra, an independent, elderly woman is in the midst of a face-off. She has barricaded herself inside her Brooklyn brownstone with enough explosives to take out the block, demanding to remain on her own. Her children, however, have another plan. When her estranged son finds his way in, he becomes an unlikely mediator and attempts to save not only his mother’s life, but also his own. This wickedly funny and achingly poignant play exposes the fragility and ferocity of life.

“agua de luna” (psalms for the rouge) by Caridad Svich (February 26 – March 20, 2016)
With support from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Matrix Theatre Company has partnered with internationally renowned playwright, Caridad Svich, and commissioned her to create a new full-length theatre piece inspired by the spirit of southwest Detroit. Svich’s work explores themes of biculturalism and construction of identity. This new bilingual play is currently in the development process and will receive its world premiere at Matrix Theatre Company as a part of its 25th Anniversary Season.

“Low Hanging Fruit by Robin Bradford (March 3 – 20 2016)
Four homeless women, all U.S. military veterans, struggle to survive on the dangerous streets of Skid Row in Los Angeles. They’ve banded together in a tent encampment, which provides little safety against the elements, while they deal with issues triggered by their experiences in combat. When one of the women meets a young runaway and invites her back to the camp, turmoil and change ensue. The women’s stories, hardships, and deferred dreams are painful reminders of the neglect many veterans face upon returning home. This Midwestern premiere of Low Hanging Fruit is produced in partnership with the Theatre Company at University of Detroit Mercy and will be performed at the Marlene Boll Theatre inside the Downtown YMCA.

Matrix Theatre Company will continue to present its Second Stage Season, which opens with the very popular “Haunted Theatre,” written and performed by the Matrix Teen Company, October 30 – 31, 2015. The Teen Company also performs their spring show, running April 8 – 17, 2016. Rounding out the season is our popular musical jazz cabaret performance by songstress Kate Brennan and her musical director Harvey Reed in June of 2016.

Matrix Theatre Company
Celebrating 24 years as a non-profit, community-based theatre, the award-winning Matrix Theatre Company is located in southwest Detroit. To build community, improve lives, and foster social justice, Matrix Theatre Company teaches, creates, and shares theatre as an instrument of transformation. Matrix often creates everything from scratch, from puppets of all sizes to more than 140 original plays. For further information or to follow Matrix on Facebook, Twitter and Blogger, go to www.matrixtheatre.org.