Irish Sea-Story to be Rejuvenated by Ocean Setting

Coming off a successful run at La Jolla Shores in San Diego, SECOND SKIN draws from the mystery and drama of the ocean. Pat Launer from The Times of San Diego said, "...the beach setting is perfect for this fascinating and haunting play. You may never see seals the same." The production will journey to Santa Barbara before bringing the ghostly tale to Santa Monica April 24th through May 15th.

For playwright Kristin Idaszak, the ever-changing ocean and sands bring up memories of her mother and her Irish roots: especially, the Celtic folktales of Selkies. As Idaszak says in SECOND SKIN, "Selkies are the souls of the drowned...They look human, but they're not." Half-seal and half-human, Selkies live in the ocean but can return to the shore by slipping off their seal skins. Traditionally, the myth tells of a man who falls in love with a female Selkie. In SECOND SKIN, Idaszak gives the story a feminist twist, restructuring it to an intimate and haunting tale about mothers, daughters, and the lengths we go to protect those we love.

Circle X Theatre Co.'s Associate Artistic Director Kate Jopson directs the production, utilizing the earth's natural lighting effects. The show begins at sunset and the world darkens as the story sinks deeper into mystery. Launer says that, "under Jopson's direction, the three performances (Sarah Halford, Claire Kaplan and Susannah Rea-Dowling) are potent, and at times, spine-tingling." The production is inspired by the magic of the bio-luminescent algae that shoots like lightning through Southern California waves in the fall.

SECOND SKIN will play 7:30pm April 24, 29, 30, May 1, 6-8, 13-15 on the beach in front of the Annenberg Beach House (415 Pacific Coast Hwy, Santa Monica, CA 90402). Tickets are: $20 Reserved Seating; $15 General; $10 students.

For tickets go to: http://www.TheWest.LA or http://www.theflagshipensemble.com

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The West makes not only sketch comedy, but live plays, web series, short and feature length films, immersive events, campfires, haunted houses, lecture series, book readings, and anything else that requires at least one person to perform for at least one other person. Their show LADY INTO FOX was named one of the "10 Best Shows of 2015" by Time Out Los Angeles. They seek contemporary analogues for ancient campfire rituals and tap into the power that performance has over individuals and communities.

The Flagship Ensemble produces experience-driven performances and develops new theatrical work through its Words in the World Workshops. It was founded by director Kate Jopson and designer JR Bruce as a haven for experimentation. By exploring the intersection of civilization and nature and the divide between rural and urban communities, The Flagship Ensemble creates work that illuminates cultural systems and the environment.