Idiot Savant: Public announces full cast

The Public Theatre have announced complete casting for the world premiere of Idiot Savant, written and directed by Richard Foreman.

Presented in association with the Ontological-Hysteric Theater, Idiot Savant opens at the Public Theater on 4 Nov 2009, following previews from 27 Oct and runs through to 13 Dec 2009.

Joining the previously announced Willem Dafoe as the title character, the complete cast for Idiot Savant will feature Alenka Kraigher as 'Marie,' Elina L�wensohn as 'Olga,' and Joel Israel, Eric Magnus, and Daniel Nelson as Slaves.

Marie asks the Idiot Savant, �But what makes certain words � magic?� What follows is a philosophical comedy. From precise existential and metaphysical acrobatics, to a ridiculous game of inter-species golf with a Giant Duck, the comedy is an exploration of the boundaries of the legitimate.

"Richard Foreman is an absolutely unique artist whose collaborations with The Public Theater have yielded great riches for over 35 years,� said Public Theater Artistic Director Oskar Eustis. �I am delighted to welcome back to The Public one of the most inspiring innovators the American theater has ever seen.�

The creative team features set design by Peter Ksander and Richard Foreman, costumes by Gabriel Berry, lighting by Heather Carson abd sound by Travis Just.

Richard Foreman (Playwright and Director) returns to The Public, where he has directed 'The Threepenny Opera' (1977),' Penguin Touquet' (1981), 'Three Acts of Recognition' (1982), 'Don Juan' (1982),' Egyptology: My Head Was A Sledgehammer' (1983), 'The Golem' (1984), 'Large Desolato' (1986), 'What Did He See?' (1988), and 'Venus' (1996).The Founder and Director of Ontological-Hysteric Theater since 1968, he has written, directed and designed more than 50 of his own plays in New York City and abroad. He has received 10 OBIE Awards (five for Best Play, four for Best Director, and one for Sustained Achievement), for his work in New York City.

Willem Dafoe (Idiot Savant) is a two-time Academy Award nominee for his performances in 'Shadow of the Vampire' (2001) and 'Platoon' (1987). Among his numerous film credits are 'The Last Temptation of Christ,' 'Mississippi Burning,' 'Wild at Heart,' 'The English Patient,' 'American Psycho,' 'Clear' and 'Present Danger, the Spider-Man trilogy,' 'The Life Aquatic' With Steve Zissou, and upcoming films 'Antichrist' and 'Daybreakers.' He is a founding member of the experimental theater company The Wooster Group.

Joel Israe (Slave) has appeared in Richard Foreman�s plays 'Deep Trance Behavior in Potatoland' and 'Wake Up Mr. Sleepy! Your Unconscious Mind Is Dead!' He recently performed in and created the audio performance art piece 'Reluctant' at the HERE Arts Center.

Alenka Kraigher's (Marie) theater credits include 'Lust' (HB Studio) and 'Leaves of Grass' (The Cell Theatre). She has appeared in the films 'The Slovenian Girl,' 'Kuriosity,' and 'The Rooster�s Breakfast.'

Elina L�wensohn's (Olga) film and television credits include 'Schindler�s List,' 'Nadja,' 'I�m Not Rappaport,'' Basquiat,' 'The Wisdom of Crocodiles,' 'Seinfeld,' 'A Very Long Engagement,' 'Dark Water,' and the Hal Hartley films 'Flirt,' 'Simple Men,'' Amateur,' and 'Fay Grim.'

Eric Magnus (Slave) most recently appeared in Richard Foreman�s play 'Astronome: A Night At The Opera' at the Ontological-Hysteric Theater.

Daniel Nelson (Slave) co-created and performed in 'Spoleum' (Ontological-Hysteric Theater), 'Sedimentary,' 'Veils/Vestiges,' 'Famous Actors,' and two theatrical adaptations of Tom Breidendach�s poetry, 'Pharmacose' and 'Bleat.'

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