FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media contact: Rebecca Wallace [email protected] CITY LIGHTS REOPENS SEPT. 16 WITH KIRSTEN BRANDT'S POWERFUL PLAY ABOUT WOMEN IN VIDEO-GAME DESIGN 'Coded' had to close before opening night in March 2020. Now it's back. Sept. 16-Oct. 17, 2021 L I N K S SAN JOSE, CA (Aug. 30, 2021) – On Sept. 16, City Lights Theater Company More information reopens its doors to live performance with the play that Covid tried to close: Kirsten Brandt’s . This timely story of women video-game creators finally about Coded is at Coded gets its world premiere, running through Oct. 17. cltc.org/coded, and the direct link for After having only two previews of the City Lights-commissioned play in March downloading high-res 2020 before the shutdown, the Coded artists are ecstatic to be back. Even if show photos is that means rehearsing in masks. The whole theater team has also been busy bit.ly/coded21photos. making the theater safer, from upgrading the ventilation system to instituting reserved seating for the first time in the company’s 39 years. “It’s time to come together again, with cautious optimism,” Executive Artistic City Lights is a fully Director Lisa Mallette said. “We want to do it safely, responsibly and with the vaccinated company, utmost care.” and everyone in the City Lights is a fully vaccinated company. Everyone entering the building must building is masked provide proof of full Covid-19 vaccination, with matching ID. Those with a except for actors religious or medical exemption must contact the theater in advance, and bring performing on stage. proof in the form of a doctor’s or religious leader’s letter, along with proof of a For details on our recent negative PCR test and matching ID. Everyone in the building must be Covid-19 policies and masked except for actors performing on stage. facility upgrades, go to There will also be no ticket sales at the door to reduce contact between cltc.org/covid- patrons and staff. For more details, go to cltc.org/covid-protocols. protocols. Fortunately, there has been one silver lining to the shutdown. Playwright Brandt, who also directs Coded, took the opportunity to do some script tweaks, making the story even more current. The result is a resonant, hard-hitting and sometimes surprisingly funny story. Coded centers on Jerrie, who was on her way to being a leader in the gaming industry until a competitor armed with a legion of internet trolls launched an assault on her. Now, she’s back from hiding with a plan to revolutionize virtual- reality gaming. If she can keep the trolls at bay and control over her team, she might be able to dismantle the industry's boys' club. But when the virtual world begins to invade the real one, things get really surreal. Brandt is an interdisciplinary artist and educator. A director, playwright and producer, she specializes in musical and experimental theater, devised and ensemble-created events, Shakespeare, and the intersection of live performance and digital media. As associate artistic director of San Jose Rep, she directed Rabbit Hole, Groundswell, The Big Meal and many others. Other companies she has directed with include The Old Globe, TheatreWorks and Marin Theatre Company. She also wrote the rock musical The Snow Queen (continued on next page) (continued from previous page) (with Rick Lombardo & Haddon Kime), and her telematic play The Thinning Veil. Brandt is Assistant Professor of Musical Theater at San Jose State. Cast: Jerrie: Stephanie Whigham (she/her) Chris: Anne Younan (she/her) Ronnie: Chioma Agu (she/her) L I N K S Izzy: Jessica Osegueda (she/her) Ashley: Alycia Adame (they/them) Megan/Minerva/SWAT lead: Ash M.B. (they/them) More information about Coded is at Designers: Ron Gasparinetti (Scenic), Alina Bokovikova (Costumes), John cltc.org/coded, and Bernard (Lighting), George Psarras (Sound), Miranda Whipple (Props), Spenser the direct link for Matubang (Video/Projections), Scott Cummins (Fight Choreography). downloading high-res is supported by Visionary Producers Nancy B. show photos is Sponsors and Supporters: Coded Coleman and Paul M. Resch, and by Producers Marv & Bonnie Bamburg. Other bit.ly/coded21photos. sponsors and supporters include SVCreates, in partnership with the County of Santa Clara; The Shubert Foundation; Applied Materials Foundation; the City of San Jose Office of Cultural Affairs; the David and Lucile Packard Foundation; the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation; The Kieve Foundation and many other City Lights is a fully individuals, corporations and foundations. vaccinated company, and everyone in the City Lights’ 39th season is supported by Season Producers Nancy B. Coleman building is masked and Paul M. Resch. Up next, Karen Zacarías’ comedy Native Gardens pits two sets of neighbors against each other. Agatha Christie’s opens in January, except for actors The Hollow followed by Qui Nguyen’s irreverent hip-hop play Vietgone. In May, the second performing on stage. season world premiere, Jeffrey Lo’s Waiting For Next, explores an enduring For details on our friendship. Then comes the musical Fun Home: based on Alison Bechdel’s Covid-19 policies and graphic novel, with music by Jeanine Tesori and book & lyrics by Lisa Kron. facility upgrades, go to cltc.org/covid- DETAILS protocols. WHAT: In the new play Coded, Jerrie was on her way to being a leader in the gaming industry, until a competitor armed with a legion of internet trolls launched an all-out assault on her. Now, she's back from hiding and ready with a hand-picked team and a plan to revolutionize virtual-reality gaming. WHEN: Sept. 16-Oct. 17, 2021 Pay What You Can Night: Thursday, Sept. 16, 8 p.m. Preview Night: Friday, Sept. 17, 8 p.m. Opening Night: Saturday, Sept. 18, 8 p.m. (No show on Sept. 19.) Showtimes: Thursday-Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. WHERE: City Lights Theater Company, 529 S. Second St., San Jose, CA 95112 TICKETS: Tickets are $25-$52 (no door sales). Discounts for seniors (55+), students/educators, groups and military personnel. There is a $2 surcharge for phone and in-person buys. Closing-weekend tickets are increased by $2. INFO: Go to cltc.org or call 408-295-4200. The theater is wheelchair-accessible. PRESS: For press passes or more information, contact City Lights marketing director Rebecca Wallace at [email protected] or 408-295-4200. High-res photos can be downloaded at cltc.org/coded..