Why Torture Is Wrong... announces initial casting

The Public Theater has announced the initial cast for their production of Christopher Durang's dark comedy Why Torture Is Wrong, And The People Who Love Them, opening at the Public Theater on 6 Apr 2009, following previews from 24 Mar and running through to 26 Apr 2009.

Nicholas Martin will direct Why Torture Is Wrong..., which will feature a cast of seven that includes Amir Arison, David Aaron Baker, Kristine Nielsen and John Pankow.

Why Torture Is Wrong...: Tells the story of a young woman suddenly in crisis: is her new husband, whom she married when drunk, a terrorist? Or just crazy? Or both? Is her father�s hobby of butterfly collecting really a cover for his involvement in a shadow government? Why does her mother enjoy going to the theatre so much? Does she seek mental escape, or is she insane?

Nicholas Martin (Director) is the artistic director of the Williamstown Theatre Festival and former artistic director of Huntington Theatre Company. His Broadway directional credits are 'Butley' (2006 revival), 'Match' (2004), 'Hedda Gabler' (2001 revival), 'The Rehearsal' (1996 revival). He recently directed 'Saturn Returns' and 'The New Century' for Lincoln Center Theater. He was nominated for the 2003 Lucille Lortel Nomination, Outstanding Director, for his helmship of 'Observe the Sons of Ulster ...' again for Lincoln Center Theater. He won a OBIE Award for his direction of 'Betty's Summer Vacation' for 'Playwrights Horizons' in 1999.

Amir Arison's Off-Broadway credits include: 'Queens Boulevard' (Signature Theatre Company), 'A Very Common Procedure' (MCC Theater), 'Modern Orthodox' (World Stages Stage III) and 'Omnium Gatherum' (Variety Arts Theatre).

David Aaron Baker's Broadeay credits are 'A Raisin in the Sun' (Karl Lindner: 2004), 'The Rainmaker' (Jim Curry: 1999 revival), 'Once Upon a Mattress' (Prince Dauntless: 1996 revival), 'The Moli�re Comedies' (Ergaste/L�lie: 1994 revival), 'The Flowering Peach' (Japheth: 1994 revival), 'Abe Lincoln in Illinois' (William Herndon: 1993 revival) and 'White Liars & Black Comedy' (Tom: 1993 revival). Off-Broadway Baker was nominated in 2002 for the Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Featured Actor for his performance as 'Willie Mossop' in the Atlantic's revival of 'Hobson's Choice.' He last appeared off-Broadway in Playwright Horizon's of 'Dead Man's Cell Phone.'

Kristine Nielsen recently starred as 'Anna' in Manhattan Theatre Club's Broadway production of 'To Be Or Not To Be' (2008). Her other Broadway credits include 'Les Liaisons Dangereuses' (Madame de Volanges: 2008 revival), 'A Streetcar Named Desire' (Eunice Hubbell: 2005 revival), 'The Green Bird' (Ninetta: 2000), 'Jackie' (multiple: 1997) and 'The Iceman Cometh' (Pearl: 1985 revival). Off-Broadway Nielsen was awarded Obie Awards for her performances in 'Betty's Summer Vacation' and 'Dog Opera.' She last appeared off-Broadway in 'Die Mommie Die!' (New World Stages Stage I).

John Pankow's Broadway credits are 'Cymbeline' (Pisanio: revival 2007), 'Twelve Angry Men' (Jury #7: 2004), 'Serious Money' (Zackerman: 1988), 'The Iceman Cometh' (Rocky Pioggi: 1985 revival) and 'Amadeus' (Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Replacement: 1980). Pankow last appeared off-Broadway in The New Group's production of 'The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie' (Theatre Row's Acorn Theater).