TORONTO, November 13, 1997 -- The Canadian premiere of New York playwright Nicky Silver's dark domestic farce, Raised in Captivity, opens at York University on Fri. Nov. 21.

Paul Lampert directs Theatre @ York's production of this shocking -- and shockingly funny -- dissection of a supremely dysfunctional modern family.

The American dream turned nightmare, Raised in Captivity runs the gamut from cemeteries to nurseries, self-mutilation, death by shower head, spiritual awakening and redemption, all wrapped up in a pretty bow of sex, violence and paranoia.

Lampert sees the play as a quintessential comedy of manners for the 90s. As a merciless parody of the neuroses of contemporary society, it forces us to confront some uncomfortable home truths, but also ultimately offers understanding and the possibility of hope.

"It's grotesque", Lampert says, "but at the same time very human, humane, and real. We recognize ourselves in this play."

Lampert has worked extensively as a director, actor and playwright in Canada and Europe, including a six-year stint with the Shaw Festival. Recent directing credits include the national premiere of Oleanna for the Stary Theatre in Krakow, Poland, Possible Maps for Toronto's Tarragon Theatre, The Hollow for the Shaw Festival and Quiet in the Land for the Blyth Festival. He is currently pursuing a graduate degree in theatre at York.

Raised in Captivity features the Graduate and 4th Year Acting Ensembles of York University's Theatre Department. The production is designed by fourth-year theatre students.

Raised in Captivity previews Nov. 18 and 19 and runs in repertory with a production of a new Canadian translation of Moliere's Tartuffe from Nov. 21 to 29. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. with matinees Nov. 19 and 28 at 1:00 p.m. Performances take place in the Joseph G. Green Studio Theatre, Centre for Film and Theatre at York University, 4700 Keele St. at Steeles Ave. in North York. Admission is $10, students and seniors $7, group rate $5; preview Nov. 18 PWYC. For more information, call (416) 736-5172 ext. 3. For tickets, call the Theatre @ York Box Office at (416) 736-5157.

Playdates/Times:
Tues. Nov. 18 -- PWYC preview -- 7:30 p.m.
Wed. Nov. 19 -- matinee preview -- 1:00 p.m.
Fri. Nov. 21 -- opening -- 7:30 p.m.
Mon. Nov. 24 -- performance -- 7:30 p.m.
Wed. Nov. 26 -- performance -- 7:30 p.m.
Fri. Nov. 28 -- matinee -- 1:00 p.m.
Sat. Nov. 29 -- performance -- 7:30 p.m.

Media contact:

Brigitte Kleer
Manager, Public Relations
Faculty of Fine Arts
tel: (416) 736-2100, ext. 77143
email: bkleer@yorku.ca