Rising Sun Performance Company in association with FRIGID New York Presents
The World Premiere of

ELEPHANT

By EVA MeiLING POLLITT

Featuring

RAIANE CANTISANO, MAERA DANIEL HAGAGE, MAGGIE KISSINGER, ITA KORENZECHER
LAURA LAMBERTI, ERIC PARNESS, MICHAEL PICHARDO, AYESHA SALEH, WILLIAM SERRI, JULIA GEROMIN

Co –Directed by AKIA SQUITLERI & ANNA HOGAN
Production Stage Manager: KRISS DELAHANTY

In Eva MeiLing Pollitt’s ELEPHANT 13-year-old Clerese (portrayed with heartbreaking vulnerability by Raiane Cantisano) has only known the inside of the 19th century Parisian brothel where her mother Magdith (Ita Korenzecher) works. While Magdith has attempted the almost-impossible job of protecting her daughter, Clerese has grown up with a total lack of knowledge of the outside world and conversely a wisdom of men and women far beyond her years. Sensing the despair of her mother while anxious to take her place as a “woman,” she meets a young man who gives her a glimpse of another lifestyle and promises undying devotion. As Clerese’s stomach grows, she suddenly is given the opportunity to know the trials, tribulations, and heartbreaks of a woman.

ELEPHANT is not your typical love story. It is a raw story of an underworld inhabited by women who have survived against unimaginable odds by depending on the sexual needs and demands of men. The cast is amazing in its dedication to authenticity, the costumes (Allison Crutchfield) are a blend of seedy and sexy, the scenic design and props are simplistic, and the direction (Akia Suitleri and Anna Hogan) is tight. ELEPHANT has completed its New York City run for now, but keep your eyes open. Something this unique will probably be heard from again.

- Laurie Lawson -