In “Skin Deep,” a thriller set in the Dublin art world, Karl, a struggling artist, owes money to his landlord, a photographer named Dan. Stuck for inspiration, one day Karl hits upon an idea, involving a huge favor from Susan, a medical student moonlighting in a hospital morgue. As Karl’s new work elevates him to celebrity status, Dan’s girlfriend Ruth, journalist, becomes suspicious of the secrets to Karl’s success. All this…and a mysterious foot!
A complex and intricate piece, Skin Deep explores the question of who owns the body, how much money the human form is worth, all set against the backdrop of a Dublin flush with new money and new ambition.
This original play is the first of the season from the Inis Nua Theatre Company, Philadelphia’s only company dedicated to producing contemporary plays from Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England. The play opens January 6 at the Adrienne, 2030 Sansom Street, Philadelphia and runs till January 18.
“We’re very honored as a small theatre company to be the American premiere of this exciting Irish work,” says Inis Nua Artistic Director Tom Reing. “When I first saw the original production in 2002, I knew I wanted to produce Skin Deep. But no theatre in Philadelphia felt like a right match to pitch it. It’s kind of the reason why Inis Nua was created.”
Playwright Paul Meade, who will be attending the production, is a writer, director, actor and Artistic Director of Gúna Nua Theatre. From Limerick, Ireland, Paul trained at the Samuel Beckett Centre, Trinity College, and later received an M.A. in modern drama from U.C.D. Paul’s work as a writer includes “Scenes From a Water Cooler,” “Skin Deep,” “Thesis,” and “Trousers.” all for Gúna Nua. In 2007 Paul wrote “Mushroom” for Storytellers Theatre Company. Also in 2007 Paul was awarded a play writing commission by the Irish Council for Bioethics.
Inis Nua Artistic Director and founder, Tom Reing, will helm the production. His credits include all Inis Nua productions to date (A Play on Two Chairs, Tadhig Stray Wandered In, Crazy Gary’s Mobile Disco and Trad). Tom has also directed for (among others) Azuka Theatre, Shakespeare in Clark Park, Brat Productions and upcoming at the Walnut Street Theater.
The cast includes Corinna Burns as Ruth, Charlie DelMarcelle as Karl, Jared Michael Delaney as Dan and Melissa Lynch as Susan.
The design team includes Regina Rizzo (Costumes), Terry Smith (Lighting/Video Desgin), Mikaal Sulaiman (Sound), Paola Nogueras (Photography) Tim Gallagher (Set), with Rachel Moffat acting as Stage Manager.
Inis Nua’s Theatre Company’s mission is to produce contemporary, provocative plays from Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales that reflect these cultures new and evolving identities. Translated from the Irish language, Inis Nua means “New Island.”
Inis Nua begins its first full season with sponsorship from Fergie’s Pub; The Bards; St. Stephen’s Green; Dark Horse Pub; Black Sheep Pub; Yello’ Bar. Philadelphia Distillery will providing opening night bar services.
