Theatre Exile presents the Philadelphia premiere of Bug by Pulitzer Prize finalist Tracy Letts,directed by associate artistic director Matt Pfeiffer. Bug runs April 25th - May 18th at ChristChurch Neighborhood House. Bug is recommended for mature audiences because of strong language, graphic violence, and full frontal nudity.

Bug, the final production of Theatre Exile's fierce 11th season, is a bloody collage of complex conspiracy theories and get-under-your-skin paranoia. This comic-thriller tells the story of a down and out waitress, Agnes, who is trying to stay clear of her violent ex-husband by hiding out in a roach motel. When she finds a protector in mild-mannered Peter, the two cling to each other. As Peter investigates the pieces from their intertwined past, Agnes fears that her ex isn't the only thing out to get her. The New York Times described Bug as "a tsunami of lunatic paranoia" and prepared audiences with "the visceral wallop of Bug is likely to come as a shock even to fans of Mr. Letts's Killer Joe."

In a 2001 interview, playwright Tracy Letts said, "I'm interested in exploring the theme of people who have slipped out of the matrix. They're alienated and lonely." Director Matt Pfeiffer became interested in Agnes and Peter's alienation, and sees power in the relationship that these two lonely souls forge. "We all have an inherent need to be loved and to give love," says Pfeiffer, "this is a play about two people trying to find love." However, this search for love takes place in a warped world where children disappear, husbands beat you, doctors lie, and the government gets under your skin. Agnes initially responds to this world by turning to drugs and alcohol. When Peter arrives she sees in him a fellow lost soul. Together they try to find a way to live a life apart from the matrix, but the static of this warped world becomes deafening. Even in an anonymous, run-down, middle-of-nowhere motel Agnes and Peter cannot escape their pasts. The static follows them and they start to see the world as a vast conspiracy infesting their home, their bed, and their bodies. For Peter and Agnes, the only answer to this infestation is ferocious resistance.

CAST & DESIGNERS
Another all-star Philly cast of all Barrymore Award winners has been assembled by Theatre Exile. Philadelphia's favorite leading lady, Grace Gonglewski makes her Theatre Exile debut leading the cast as careworn Agnes. Matt Saunders will not only tackle the challenging role of Peter but design this intricate set as well. Charlotte Northeast joins Theatre Exile for the first time as R.C. after astounding audiences in InterAct Theatre Company's Skin in Flames. Exile favorite, William Zielinski, returns as Jerry Goss after heading up the cast of Exile's Glengarry Glen Ross. Producing artistic director Joe Canusosteps onto the stage as Dr. Sweetafter his performance in Glengarry Glen Ross. The production team includes Paul Moffit designing lights, Alison Roberts serving as costume designer, and Barrymore Award winner James Sugg designing sound. Noted fight choreographer John Bellomo will stage the violence. Becky Wright will serve as the Assistant Director and Meghan Walsh as the Production Stage Manager. Bug's amazing team of artists promises to deliver the most thrilling show in Exile's history.

DIRECTOR
Matt Pfeiffer was a finalist for the 2007 F. Otto Haas Emerging Artist award in the same year he was nominated for Leading Actor (Red Light Winter) and Outstanding Direction (Glengarry Glen Ross). As an actor, Matt has also appeared in Exile's Burkie and Mr. Marmalade. As a director he assisted The Philly Fan, and directed Rounding Third and Glengarry Glen Ross. Matt has acted in and directed several productions for The Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival and Brat Productions. Other credits include Walnut Street Theatre, Arden Theatre Company, Delaware Theatre Company, Bristol Riverside Theatre, and The Opera Company of Philadelphia. In 2006 Matt directed the world premiere of The Foocy at the Lantern Theatre, for which he received a Barrymore nomination for Outstanding Direction of a Play.

PLAYWRIGHT
Pulitzer Prize finalist Tracy Letts has become arguably America's most exciting playwright in addition to his bustling acting career. His work is oozing with dingy settings, damaged characters, strong language and plenty of carnage. As a native of Oklahoma, the Oklahoma City bombing was an experience that inspired Bug, his second work. Bug was first produced in 1996, creeping audiences out in London, then Chicago, WashingtonD.C., and New York. In 2006, Letts turned Bug into a cult-classic film starring Ashley Judd, Harry Connick Jr. and the original production's Peter, Michael Shannon. A member of the famed Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Letts' current smash hit, August: Osage County, is taking Broadway by storm. Theatre Exile's production of Letts' Killer Joe shocked and delighted critics and audiences in 2006, making the Philadelphia audience no stranger to Letts' twisted world and Theatre Exile's "on-the-edge presence."

SHOWTIMES AND TICKETS
Apr 25th - May 18th at Christ Church Neighborhood House (near 2nd and Market).

Previews
Apr 25 - Apr 27
Fri - Sat @ 8pm
Sun @ 7pm

Opening Night
Wed Apr 30 @ 8pm

Performances
Apr 30 - May 18
Wed - Sat @ 8pm
Sun May 4 @ 3pm
Sun May 11 @ 7pm

Talkback
Thu May 8 post-show

Closing
Sun May 18 @ 3pm

TICKET INFO:
Call 215-922-4462 or go to www.theatreexile.org. Tickets $15-$40. Student rates available. Discounts for groups of 10 or more. Bug is recommended for mature audiences because of strong language, graphic violence, and full frontal nudity.

ABOUT THEATRE EXILE
Theatre Exile is a nonprofit theater company dedicated to enhancing the cultural experiences of all Philadelphians through the staging of works that engage the imagination. We produce risky and challenging plays that contain a sense of true Philadelphia grit and passion. We are constantly striving to reach out to new theater audiences throughout the community by presenting both new works as well as established plays that are often reinterpreted in original ways and/or held in unique site-specific locations.

We believe in freedom of expression formulated through innovation, exploration and provocation. At the same time, we provide a safe and creative environment in which local artists can grow and experiment and ultimately, find their own voice.

For photos, press information, or to schedule interviews contact Jenny Jacobs 525 S. 4th Street, Suite #475 Philadelphia, PA 19147 215.922.4462 jenny@theatreexile.org www.theatreexile.org