News Release

Marketing and Communications

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 18, 2010

Media contact:

Michael Corby

904-632-3310

In Original Drama “Handmaid,” Life Imitates Art; and Life

WHAT: “Handmaid,” production of original play

Written by Jennifer Chase

Directed by Roxanna Lewis

WHEN: April 29 at 2 p.m.

April 30 and May 1 at 8 p.m.

WHERE: Florida State College at Jacksonville

Kent Campus Auditorium

3939 Roosevelt Blvd.

Jacksonville, FL

COST: $10 for general audiences.

TICKETS: At the door (cash), or charge by calling 904-632-3373.

DETAILS: “Family, money, politics and love all have their roles in distracting an artist from his/her work,” claims playwright and musician Jennifer Chase, talking about her original play, “Handmaid.” In the play, art imitates life, as found in the work of Diego Velazquez, considered by many to be Spain’s greatest baroque artist. As told by the playwright, Cuban immigrant and fledgling artist Rodriguez DeSilva has twenty-four hours remaining to fulfill the requirements of a commission he's received to paint a replica of the famous Velazquez painting, "Las Meninas." Pressures from his family and his ambitious girlfriend, Margaret, distract him from his commission and he sidetracks himself with drink, billiards and painting--everything but the commissioned work, which if ever done, is to hang in the welcome center of a park named in honor of his deceased father. Through DeSilva’s heightened fantasies and dreams he learns of some of the realities behind Velazquez’ life, struggles and work. Secrets are revealed.

Handmaid was introduced with developmental readings in Madrid, Spain through the MFA program/University of New Orleans and at Kent Campus auditorium. Development of the play and this production are aided by a Learning Communities grant from Florida State College. Produced by JACK, the Jacksonville Artists' Company at Kent and Kent Campus Student Life and Leadership. This play contains adult material that is not appropriate for children.

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Florida State College at Jacksonville is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award the baccalaureate degree and the associate degree. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097; or call 404-679-4501 for questions about the accreditation of Florida State College at Jacksonville.