Kicking A Dead Horse extends run by two weeks, even before performances begin

The Public Theater, in a co-production with Dublin's Abbey Theatre, has announced a two week extension of their American premiere production of Kicking A Dead Horse, writting and directed by Sam Shepard, even before performances begin.

Opening at the Public's Martinson Theater on 14 Jul 2008, following previews from 25 Jun, Kicking A Dead Horse will now play through to 10 Aug 2008, the show was originally scheduled to close on 27 Jul 2008.

Kicking A Dead Horse: Hobart Struther, a wealthy New York art dealer, has ditched his shiny city life in search of authenticity in the modern-day wild west, o why does he find himself miles from nowhere with a dead horse?

The play had its world premiere at the Abbey's Peacock Theatre, where it played from 12 Mar - 14 Apr 2008. Shephard wrote the play for Stephen Rea, who reprises his role as Hobart. The nonspeaking role of Young Woman is still to be cast.

The creative team comprises Brien Vahey (sets), Joan Bergin (costumes) and John Comiskey (lighting).

Stephen Rea (Hobart) received an Oscar nomination and a Golden Globe nomination for the film 'The Crying Game' in 1992 and a Tony Award nomination for 'Someone Who�ll Watch Over Me' in 1993.

Kicking A Dead Horse marks the fifth Shepard play to have its premiere at The Public, following 'Curse of the Starving Class' (1978), 'Tongues' (1979), 'True West' (1980), and 'Simpatico' (1994).