On Monday, March 24 at 7:00 p.m., InterAct Theatre Company’s ninth season of Writing Aloud continues with The Art of Losing, an evening of three moving stories that explore the dual nature of loss: heartbreak and grief, as well as triumph and redemption. Three writers explore how loss plays out in three very different lives.

ABOUT The Art of Losing
Presented on Monday, March 24, The Art of Losing features three penetrating stories about people dealing with loss. Whether we’re talking about car keys, weight, consciousness, money, loved ones, or the big game, every life includes loss. Three writers provide strange and sensitive windows into the ups and downs of losing.

The Art of Losing is the fourth program in the 2007-2008 season of InterAct Theatre Company’s award-winning series Writing Aloud, featuring works by contemporary writers read aloud by Philadelphia’s best actors. Tickets for the performance, held at 7:00 p.m. on the mainstage at The Adrienne, 2030 Sansom Street, are $15.00 for general admission or $10.00 for InterAct subscribers. Seating is limited, so advance reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 215-568-8079. Discount subscriptions and group rates are also available. A reception with refreshments will follow the performance.

The March 24 Writing Aloud opens with “Shell Game with Organs,” written by Jacob M. Appel (of New York, NY) and read by Lenny Haas. “Shell Game with Organs” depicts a middle-aged magician struggling with his ailing girlfriend, his aging mother, and his ornery best friend, Houdini the parrot.

“Losing in General,” written by Randall Brown (of Wynnewood, PA) and read by Allen Radway follows a young boy breaking free from the vicious cycle of his mother’s promiscuity and father’s mental illness, to go root for the Washington Generals, destined to lose to the Harlem Globetrotters.

Finally, “The Tennis Partner,” written by Alix Olin (of Easton, PA) and read by Neill Hartley, traces a son’s teenage heartbreak and a father’s terrible backhand, the ache of losing loved ones and the pain of being on the losing team.

ABOUT THE WRITING ALOUD PROGRAM
Founded by David Sanders, Writing Aloud was established in 1999 to present diverse voices in contemporary fiction by the region’s best writers, read on stage by professional actors. Quickly establishing itself as the region’s premiere reading series, Writing Aloud has attracted sold-out audiences, has been featured in special broadcasts on WHYY-FM public radio, and is a recipient of Philadelphia Magazine’s 2001 “Best of Philly” award. This season, Rebecca Wright takes over the directorship with hopes to spend the coming season building upon the program’s strengths and taking a fresh look at how it can be even better.

ABOUT INTERACT THEATRE COMPANY
InterAct Theatre Company, lead by Producing Artistic Director Seth Rozin, is one of the nation’s leading centers for new writing in theatre, introducing important contemporary writers to audiences through its world premiere stage productions, developmental residencies, and Showcase of New Plays. The Writing Aloud program extends InterAct’s mission of cultivating and presenting diverse artistic voices into the realm of short fiction.

UPCOMING WRITING ALOUD EVENTS
The Art of Losing is the fourth program in InterAct Theatre Company’s 2007/2008 season of Writing Aloud. It will be followed by Comings and Goings on April 28, 2008, featuring stories by Patrick Madden, Nancy Cathers Demme, Christine Flanagan and Amina Gautier, to be read by Tom McCarthy and Bev Appleton, among others. The final Writing Aloud performance will follow in June.